Epidemiology Program
Research in the Epidemiology Program is focused on reducing cancer incidence, progression, and sequalae through the identification of risk factors and the translation of discoveries into preventive strategies. Through population-, laboratory-, and clinic-based research, our faculty aim to uncover knowledge that can inform and improve cancer risk prediction, prevention, prognostication, treatment assignment, surveillance, and overall health.
Our studies ask important public health and clinical questions about environmental, lifestyle, medical, and/or genetic factors that contribute to the incidence, recurrence, and mortality rates for different cancers. Our researchers investigate which genes are potentially modifiable and which ones protect against the development of cancer.
And because the public at-large serves as the source for much of our research, we’re constantly evaluating how risk factors and prognostic profiles vary across populations. We test interventions and lifestyle changes to see which improve outcomes in survivors. We also study cancer risk prediction, screening, and prognostication given the molecular heterogeneity in various types of cancer within different populations.
Epidemiology Research Areas
Our research is done through a variety of ways including enrolling patients, using population databases, laboratory-based genetic analysis, etc. We collaborate with researchers across the world to share knowledge and methodologies, creating a more efficient path from research to better care in 3 primary areas of cancer epidemiology: Etiology, Prognostic/Survivorship, and Intervention.
Acute Effects of Exercise on Breast Cancer Biomarkers (ACE) Study
Public Health Sciences, EpidemiologyThe Acute Effects of Exercise on Breast Cancer Biomarkers (ACE Study) is enrolling women to test the effect of moderate intensity exercise on cancer risk factors such as biomarkers in healthy women. Knowing if exercise significantly alters these biomarkers, could help support guidelines for daily exercise for breast cancer prevention and could indicate that exercise even without weight loss is beneficial.
Contact: Jude Warner, acestudy@fredhutch.org
Advancing our Understanding of the Etiologies and Mutational Landscapes of Basal-like, Luminal A, and Luminal B Breast Cancer
Public Health Sciences, EpidemiologyAddressing research gaps in the molecular subtypes of breast cancer, we are taking a multidisciplinary approach to study the epidemiology and mutational landscapes of basal-like, luminal A, and luminal B tumors.
Funding Agency: DOD
Contact: Sarah Taylor, sataylor@fredhutch.org
An AHEI Dietary Intervention to Reduce Pain in Women with Endometriosis
Public Health Sciences, EpidemiologyThis randomized controlled trial will investigate a 12-week dietary intervention based on the Alternative Healthy Eating Index, examining its effects on pain, quality of life, and inflammatory biomarkers among women with laparoscopically-confirmed endometriosis. The study results will help us identify evidence-based, modifiable, dietary factors that decrease pain and improve quality of life among women with endometriosis.
Funding Agency: National Institutes of Health/NINR
Contact: Kelley Meder, MAppEPID, M.P.H., M.I.P.H., healthyeating@fredhutch.org
Bacterial Correlates of Colorectal Cancer Subtypes and Survival
Public Health Sciences, EpidemiologyScientists identify differences in the bacterial community in tumors for patients with etiologically-distinct subgroups of colorectal cancer, and how those differences relate to survival.
Funding Agency: National Cancer Institute
Contact: Amanda Phipps, aphipps@fredhutch.org
Breast Health Global Initiative (BHGI)
Public Health Sciences, EpidemiologyThe Breast Health Global Initiative is striving to improve breast health outcomes and access to breast cancer screening, detection and treatment for women in low- and middle-income countries.
Contact: Marisa Hartman, 206.667.3538
Breast, Colorectal and Ovary Cancer Clinical Validation Center
Public Health Sciences, EpidemiologyAfter identifying early detection biomarkers for each of these cancers, we are conducting phase 2 and phase 3 validation studies directed towards clearly defined clinical applications.
Funding Agency: National Cancer Institute
Contact: Chris Li, cili@fredhutch.org
Cancer Epidemiology Research Cooperative (CERC)
Public Health Sciences, EpidemiologyThe Cancer Epidemiology Research Cooperative (CERC) conducts research to improve knowledge about the causes of cancer and its impact on the lives of those affected, in order to reduce cancer occurrence and suffering and to improve survival.
Case-control study of ovarian cancer (DOVE)
- Mary Anne Rossing, Ph.D., D.V.M.
- Holly Harris, Sc.D., M.P.H.
Using two ovarian cancer case-control studies, scientists are trying to determine why some women develop ovarian tumors and others do not.
Funding Agency: National Cancer Institute
Contact: Holly Harris, hharris@fredhutch.org
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Care in the Tyrosine Kinase Era
Public Health Sciences, EpidemiologyUsing the Optum Labs/United Healthcare database, investigators review healthcare use patterns of chronic myelogenous leukemia patients treated in the tyrosine kinase inhibitor era.
Funding Agency: American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Contact: Nancy Blythe, nblythe@fredhutch.org
Colocare Study
Public Health Sciences, EpidemiologyColoCare is a research study for people newly diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer. It includes researchers, doctors, nurses, and patients working together to learn more about improving health after a cancer diagnosis.
Funding Agency: National Cancer Institute
Contact: Kathy Vickers, kvickers@fredhutch.org
Contact Epidemiology
Kathi Malone
Program Head
206.667.4632
kmalone@fredhutch.org
Kara McBroom
Program Operations Director
206.667.6074
kmcbroom@fredhutch.org
Jenny Connor
Research Administrator
206.667.7979
jconnor@fredhutch.org
Julia Park
Research Administrator
206.667.7172
jpark234@fredhutch.org
Nicholas Porter
Administrative Coordinator
206.667.6468
nporter@fredhutch.org
Location
The Epidemiology Program is located at the Robert W. Day Campus in the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle.
Mailing Address:
Epidemiology Program
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
1100 Fairview Ave. N.
Mail Stop M4-B874
PO Box 1024
Seattle, WA 98109-1024
Want to join the team?
Find job openings in the Epidemiology Program here!