Research in the Epidemiology Program is focused on reducing cancer incidence, progression, mortality, and sequalae through the identification of risk (or protective) factors, the elucidation of underlying biologic mechanisms, and the translation of discoveries into prevention strategies. Through population, laboratory, and clinic-based studies, our faculty aim to uncover knowledge that can inform and improve cancer risk prediction, prevention, early detection, prognostication, survival, and overall health.
Faculty
Our faculty have a wide range of expertise, with many holding joint appointments or university affiliations.
Research
Our researchers collaborate locally and across the world to reduce the burden of cancer through our work in three key areas of cancer epidemiology research: Etiology, Survivorship and Intervention.
Epidemiology Research Areas
Our studies ask important public health and clinical questions about environmental, socioeconomic, lifestyle, genetic, and other factors that may contribute to the incidence, recurrence, and mortality of different cancers, as well as health and quality of life afterward. We collaborate with researchers locally and across the world to reduce the burden of cancer through our work in three key areas of cancer epidemiology research: Etiology, Survivorship, and Intervention.
Etiology
Our etiologic research focuses on understanding the causes of cancer and other related diseases. These studies examine exposures such as nutrition, obesity, alcohol consumption, medication use, air pollution, genetics, and many others for their relationship with the risk of developing cancer. Our scientists are working to generate the knowledge and evidence needed for the development of new risk prediction and prevention strategies.
Intervention
Intervention studies build on promising etiologic and survivorship research findings and test their capacity for reducing risks and improving outcomes. Interventions under study include lifestyle modifications such as diet and physical activity, methods for delivery of survivorship care plans, HPV vaccines, vitamin D, and others. Using rigorous randomized trial designs, we seek to generate a high level of evidence for new strategies to reduce the burden of cancer.
Survivorship
Our survivorship research includes studies of how lifestyle, environmental, genetic, and other factors contribute to the risk of adverse cancer outcomes such as recurrence and second primary cancer and investigations of the long-term effects of cancer and therapies on the overall health and quality of life of cancer survivors. Our studies seek to provide recommendable patient and clinical practices that can improve the health and quality of life of cancer patients.
Cancer Epidemiology Research Cooperative (CERC)
The CERC is a long-standing research unit comprised of epidemiologists, scientific and administrative support staff, data analysts, IT staff, project coordinators, interviewers, medical record abstractors, and trainees. Research studies focus on identifying the causes of cancer, factors associated with survival, the effects of cancer and cancer treatment on quality of life and overall health and testing strategies for prevention for many different types of cancer including breast, prostate, colorectal, ovarian, endometrial, and testicular cancers.
Groups
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.
Cancer Epidemiology Research Cooperative (CERC)
We focus on identifying the causes of cancer, factors associated with survival, the effects of cancer and cancer treatment on quality of life and overall health and testing strategies for prevention.
Cancer Surveillance System (CSS)
We provide high quality data on the incidence, treatment and follow-up of all newly-diagnosed cancers (except non-melanoma skin cancers) in 13 western Washington State counties.
Epidemiology Staff Award
The Epidemiology Staff Award recognizes an exceptional staff member who has made valuable contributions to the Epidemiology Program. Learn more about the most recent awardee here.
Contact Us
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 Center
1100 Fairview Ave. N.
Mail Stop M4-B874
Seattle, WA 98109-1024
Want to join our team?
Find job openings in the Epidemiology Program.