Overview Fact Sheet
(PDF version - 91kb)
Epidemiology is the scientifi c study of the causes and distribution of disease in populations. The National Cancer Institute's Epidemiology and Genetics Research Program (EGRP), in the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, provides opportunities for investigators to increase understanding of cancer causes and prevention in human populations.
EGRP supports research in four areas:
- Clinical and translational epidemiology,
- Host susceptibility factors,
- Methods and technologies for cancer epidemiology research, and
- Factors that modify cancer risk.
EGRP is the largest funder of cancer epidemiology grants nationally and worldwide. To view current funding opportunities for cancer epidemiology and genetics research, visit http://epi.grants.cancer.gov/funding and select Epidemiology and Genetics Research. EGRP also offers a variety of research resources, which are described in more detail on the back of this page. Learn more at http://epi.grants.cancer.gov/keyresearch.html.
EGRP consists of the Office of the Associate Director and four Branches, described below, that address specific aspects of research on cancer epidemiology. More information about the mission of each Branch can be found at http://epi.grants.cancer.gov/branches.html, and the list of EGRP staff and their contact information can be viewed at http://epi.grants.cancer.gov/staff.html.
| Clinical and Translational Epidemiology Branch | Host Susceptibility Factors Branch |
|---|---|
| The Clinical and Translational Epidemiology Branch (CTEB) focuses on etiologic and genomic factors that influence cancer progression, recurrence, survival, and other treatment outcomes, and factors associated with cancer development among individuals with underlying diseases and conditions. | The Host Susceptibility Factors Branch (HSFB) focuses on factors that influence personal susceptibility to cancer in humans, such as genetic, epigenetic, immunological, hormonal, and biological pathways; and social, cultural, racial, and ethnic factors. |
| Methods and Technologies Branch | Modifiable Risk Factors Branch |
| The Methods and Technologies Branch (MTB) focuses on methods for epidemiologic data collection, study design and analysis, and development and adaptation of laboratory and technical approaches for large studies in human populations. | The Modifiable Risk Factors Branch (MRFB) focuses on factors to reduce cancer risk in humans, including exposures to nutritional components; physical activity and energy balance; alcohol and tobacco; and infectious, physical, and chemical agents. |
Key EGRP Research Resources and Initiatives
Cancer Epidemiology Research Consortia*
EGRP supports about 30 national and international research consortia focusing on numerous types of cancer. Cohort, case-control, and familial studies are included. Support is provided in many ways, such as through grants, identifi cation of partners with similar research interests, and advice on policies and processes that have proven successful with other consortia. Assistance is available for all stages of consortia development.
Breast and Colon Cancer Family Registries*
The Cancer Family Registries (CFRs) serve as an international research infrastructure for investigators interested in conducting population- and clinic-based interdisciplinary studies on the genetic and molecular epidemiology of breast and colon cancer and related behavioral implications. The main objective is to establish comprehensive research resource infrastructures to assist with the implementation of collaborative interdisciplinary research protocols in the genetic epidemiology of cancer.
Cancer Genetics Network*
The Cancer Genetics Network (CGN) is a resource for investigators conducting research on the genetic basis of human cancer susceptibility; integration of this information into medical practice; and behavioral, ethical, and public health issues associated with human genetics. The CGN can provide a wide variety of research services and specialized expertise to assist investigators with approved studies. Prospective investigators can freely query the CGN core database to learn more about the aggregate characteristics of participants and discover how the CGN may be used for research purposes.
Geographic Information System for Breast Cancer Studies on Long Island in New York State*
The Geographic Information System for Breast Cancer Studies on Long Island (LI GIS) is a unique research tool combining an extensive collection of data and other geospatial resources. The LI GIS is designed to study potential relationships between environmental exposures and breast cancer in Nassau and Suffolk counties (Long Island), NY; however, its application can be extended to the study of other diseases. Researchers with approved protocols can access the LI GIS datasets online; there is no fee to use the LI GIS. This research tool was developed as part of the congressionally mandated Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project (LIBCSP).
Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Centers
EGRP cofunds four Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Centers (BCERC) with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. BCERC is a transdisciplinary initiative designed to examine the effect of early life exposures on pubertal development and future breast cancer risk and consists of projects in animal biology, epidemiology, and community outreach and translation.
*Resources open to all investigators.
Epidemiology and Genetics Research Program
Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences
National Cancer Institute
6130 Executive Boulevard, Room 5113, MSC 7395
Bethesda, MD 20892-7395
Telephone: 301-496-9600 Fax: 301-435-6609
Web site: http://epi.grants.cancer.gov
