Cancer Population Science
The Cancer Population Science (CPS) program conducts observational, cohort, and interventional studies that focus on primary prevention, early detection, health outcomes, and the delivery of cancer care to communities and populations. CPS program researchers undertake discovery-based research across the cancer control continuum and translate these findings to develop novel interventions with the goal of reducing the burden of cancer at a population level. In addition, while cancer affects all population groups, it may have a larger or more severe impact on some groups over others. CPS researchers work to understand and address these health disparities.
Major research themes
- Etiology and primary prevention
- Risk assessment, screening, and early detection
- Cancer care delivery
- Survivorship and palliative care
Within these themes, research in this program investigates multi-level cancer risk factors, including environmental and lifestyle factors and underlying genomic susceptibility that impact lifelong cancer risk in healthy populations to improve primary cancer prevention. Integrating molecular, genomic, and imaging-based biomarkers into clinical risk assessment and early detection, CPS researchers aim to enhance evidence-based screening. Through studying patterns of cancer care, they work to inform cost-effective treatment, care delivery interventions, and policy initiatives aimed at patients, providers, and health systems. CPS researchers translate their findings to pathway and data-driven trials for patients living with cancer.
