Epidemiology Program

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.

epidemiology faculty photo

Faculty

Our faculty have a wide range of expertise, with many holding joint appointments or university affiliations.

Researcher speaking at a seminar

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.
 

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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.

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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.

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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.

Want to enroll in a current Epidemiology Study

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.

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Breast Cancer Initiative 2.5 (BCI2.5)

We work toward the goals of making breast health a priority and reducing disparities in breast cancer outcomes worldwide.

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Breast Health Global Initiative (BHGI)

We develop, implement and study guidelines to improve  breast cancer screening, detection, treatment and outcomes.

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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.

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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.

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PNW Prostate Cancer SPORE

We seek to coordinate efforts to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with prostate cancer.

Latest Epidemiology News

More Epidemiology News
New study of Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations gets $38.7M grant Fred Hutch will act as coordinating center for large study of cardiovascular and other chronic diseases in overlooked populations September 14, 2023
Sleep can be a cancer patient’s best elixir Treatments, stress can be challenges to getting consistent, quality sleep; talk to your doctor if you’re tossing and turning August 17, 2023
Fred Hutch’s Dr. Ross Prentice retires Longtime scientist and statistician contributed to Women’s Health Initiative, cancer prevention research and much more January 20, 2023
What’s new in breast cancer research? SABCS 2022 delivers plenty Studies highlight research on treatment toxicity, disparities in insurance, gaps in metastatic care, new therapies and more December 14, 2022

Contact Us

Kathi Malone

Program Head

Kara McBroom

Program Operations Director

Trisha Brinton

Research Administration Manager

Julia Park

Research Administrator

Kari Dempewolf

Administrative Assistant

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 here!