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.
Faculty and Labs
Our faculty have a wide range of expertise, with many holding joint appointments or university affiliations.
Epidemiology Groups and Studies
Our work is primarily done through research groups or individual projects. We collaborate with researchers across the Hutch to share knowledge and methodologies, creating a more efficient path to better care and a cure.
APPEAL: Exercise intervention in colorectal polyp patients
Public Health Sciences, EpidemiologyScientists are investigating the efficacy of a moderate exercise program on colon cancer and how exercise may lower risk in humans.
Funding Agency: National Cancer Institute
Contact: Anne McTiernan, amctiern@fredhutch.org
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, researchers 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
Bacterial Correlates of Colorectal Cancer Subtypes and Survival
Public Health Sciences, EpidemiologyScientists identify differences in the gut bacterial community in 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, scientists have organized phase 2 and phase 3 validation studies for 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.
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
DOVE: A case-control study of ovarian cancer
- 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
Dexrazoxane and Prevention of Anthracycline-Related Cardiomyopathy in Childhood Cancer Survivors
Public Health Sciences, EpidemiologyScientists are determining the efficacy of dexrazoxane (DRZ) in reducing anthracycline-related cardiomyopathy among participants in DRZ phase 3 therapeutic trials.
Funding Agency: National Cancer Institute
Contact: Nancy Blythe, nblythe@fredhitch.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
Nicholas Porter
Administrative Assistant
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