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Cancer Epidemiology & Population Based Research

  William J. Blot, Ph.D.
  William J. Blot, Ph.D.

Program Description

Scientific Goals

  1. To evaluate novel molecular targets for cancer prevention, screening and prognosis
  2. To evaluate the determinants of cancer in diverse populations (including minorities & low income) and evaluate cancer control measures
  3. To better understand the nutritional and molecular epidemiology of cancer
  4. To provide effective pain and symptom management for cancer patients

Areas of Research Program Expertise

The Cancer Prevention Program was initially heavily focused on evaluating some key targets for chemoprevention of cancer. Subsequently, the VICC began developing a population-based science component for this Program. These efforts led to the successful placement of a core of internationally recognized epidemiologists and the further development of a series of population-based research studies. Particular strengths of each cohort study are the collection and banking of biologic specimens at VICC, which will be made available for assay as promising molecular hypotheses arise.

Concurrent with the expansion of epidemiologic research has been an expansion in cancer control activities. Some are directed to reducing cancer disparities and linked to the Southern Community Cohort Study, a historic prospective investigation that has enrolled over 62,000 persons age 40-79 across 12 southern states, approximately 70% of the enrollees are African American. Specific research activities of the Program include:

  1. Determining the molecular mechanisms involved in the chemoprevention of cancer by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
  2. Developing a strong population-based research program with the implementation of several large cohort studies with extensive biospecimen repositories
  3. Studying genetic factors and gene-environment interaction in the risk of several common cancers, including lung, uteri corpus, stomach, prostate, and breast.
  4. Studies focusing on nutrition and cancer and the advancement of novel methodologies and improving existing techniques for accurate measurement of energy metabolism, body composition, physical activity and deciphering their role in body weight regulation in healthy and diseased populations.
  5. Conducting research on pharmacoepidemiology, the effects of medical devices on risk of cancer and other diseases, occupational cancer epidemiology, and studies of long-term survivors of childhood cancers.
  6. Implementing and expanding cancer control activities in areas that include a) reducing cancer disparities, especially the higher rates of most forms of cancer among African Americans; b) administration and evaluation of cancer prevention messages; c) development of comprehensive models for assessment of screening and for individualized as well as public health management policies for colorectal cancer; and d) initiation one of the nation’s first systematic programs in cancer pain and symptom management.

Program Members

Program members and academic departmental affiliations are listed below.

 

NCI CCC: A Comprehensive Cancer Center Designated by the National Cancer Institute National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)

Guides for:

The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center | 691 Preston Building | Nashville, TN 37232 | 615-936-5847
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Contact VICC | Last modified: June 18, 2007

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