ICAP-HICCC Cancer Initiative Advances Cancer Research and Knowledge in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
In 2021, the ICAP at Columbia University, situated at the Mailman School of Public Health (MSPH) and the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC) joined forces to address the increasing cancer burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Though LMICs have lower cancer incidence rates than higher-income countries, they account for approximately 70% of cancer deaths. The ICAP-HICCC Cancer Initiative (IHCI) draws on the resources and expertise of both institutions seeking to expand cancer research, education, and community-oriented programs in LMICs.
In just two years, the IHCI has made great strides in advancing its goals and engaging researchers and clinicians at Columbia and beyond. Their successes are outlined in a new two-year progress report.
“It’s outstanding to see the progress that the ICAP-HICCC Cancer Initiative has made in just two years,” says Anil Rustgi, MD, Herbert and Florence Irving professor of medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and director of the HICCC. “Through our partnership, the HICCC and ICAP have been able to take a comprehensive approach to address the cancer burden within LMICs.”
“The vast expertise of HICCC combined with ICAP’s global reach offer an unparalleled opportunity to confront the looming threat of cancer in LMIC”, adds Wafaa El-Sadr, ICAP director and professor of epidemiology and medicine. “Working in partnership with in-country stakeholders will enable us to reach this goal”.
A Global Community for Cancer Education
In June of 2021, the IHCI launched its own webinar series dedicated to cancer-related topics affecting LMICs, featuring experts in cancer research and public health from institutions such as the World Health Organization, the National Cancer Institute, and leading national and international cancer centers. The series has drawn a large audience from around the world involved in global health, including clinicians, public health practitioners, researchers, and health advocates, helping to build connections and networks for individuals working in cancer education and research across the globe.
Expanding LMIC Cancer Research at Columbia
To date, the IHCI has funded five pilot grants from researchers at Columbia University conducting globally-focused projects in LMICs. Projects have covered a wide range of topics, from tobacco control programs to clinical prediction models for colorectal cancer. The IHCI’s research network will continue to grow as more projects are awarded funding in the years to come.
2021-2022 Funded Projects
“Developing a tobacco control program delivered by community health workers in Johannesburg, South Africa”
Grace Hillyer, EdD, assistant professor of epidemiology, MSPH; member, Cancer Population Science Program, HICCC
“Biological age acceleration, reproductive history, and early onset breast cancer risk in Ghanaian Women”
Hui-Chen Wu, DrPH, assistant professor of environmental health sciences, MSPH; member, Cancer Population Science Program, HICCC
Jasmine A. McDonald, PhD, assistant professor of epidemiology, MSPH; member, Cancer Population Science Program, HICCC
2022-2023 Funded Projects
“Development of a clinical prediction model to improve colorectal cancer outcomes in South Africa”
Yoanna Pumpalova, MD, assistant professor of medicine, CUIMC
“Personal care and hair product use among women in Kenya: Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of use in the context of breast cancer risk”
Adana Llanos Wilson, PhD, MPH, associate professor of epidemiology, MSPH; member, Cancer Population Science Program, HICCC
“Prevalence and risk factors of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance in a Black Sub-Saharan African population”
Kara Cicero, MD, postdoctoral clinical fellow, CUIMC
Establishing Leadership
The IHCI expects to recruit a new faculty position to lead the initiative. Working to advance their own scientific program focused on global cancer research, this new professor will also work to strengthen collaborations between members of ICAP and the HICCC and build new partnerships with institutions around the world.