DNA Methylation As A Risk Factor For Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$780,185.00
Summary
Methylation of DNA involves a change to the chemical composition of DNA. It can affect the function of genes and normal methylation is essential for life. Aberrant methylation is associated with many diseases, including colorectal cancer. In this grant, we will explore whether aberrant methylation of DNA obtained from the blood can predict the risk of colorectal cancer. Our ultimate aim is to better identify people at higher risk of cancer.
Microsimulation Modelling Of Post-Polypectomy Colonoscopy Surveillance Strategies For The Prevention Of Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$101,535.00
Summary
This research will provide a comprehensive evidence-based framework for post-polypectomy endoscopic surveillance in bowel cancer screening. A population-based micro-simulation model of colorectal cancer development will be used to perform epidemiological and health economic evaluations of Australian and international endoscopic surveillance guidelines. These will help inform policy that will potentially lead to improvements in bowel cancer screening and surveillance programs in Australia.
I am a genetic epidemiologist focused on bowel cancer risk. I will develop a comprehensive model to estimate individual cancer risk by studying the effects of personal characteristics, cancer history, genetic factors and family history of cancer using large data sets from international consortia I helped establish. My research will enable targeting of screening to those most at risk and will aid the discovery of new causes for bowel cancer.
Improving Efficiency Of Surveillance Colonoscopy For Colorectal Cancer Prevention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,123.00
Summary
Greater awareness of bowel cancer screening has led to increased demand and waiting times for colonoscopy. National guidelines recognise the need for research to identify the best use of colonoscopy to ensure health funds are directed where they are needed. This study aims to identify how often colonoscopy is required for the best patient outcomes. Data about cancer and death will be linked to hospital and laboratory data to identify which patients need more or less surveillance colonoscopies.
Germline Mutations In Mismatch Repair Genes: Prevalence, Risk Of Cancer, And Environmental Modifiers Of Risk.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$216,750.00
Summary
Aims: 1. Develop a model that will predict who has a mutation in a group of genes that cause cancer 2. Estimate risk of cancer in people who have a mutation in these genes (carriers) 3. Determine if cancer risk in carriers can be reduced People who inherit a mutation in a group of genes called 'mismatch repair genes' are at increased risk of cancer, particularly cancer of the colon and rectum. If these carriers can be identified they can take preventive measures such as screening to reduce their ....Aims: 1. Develop a model that will predict who has a mutation in a group of genes that cause cancer 2. Estimate risk of cancer in people who have a mutation in these genes (carriers) 3. Determine if cancer risk in carriers can be reduced People who inherit a mutation in a group of genes called 'mismatch repair genes' are at increased risk of cancer, particularly cancer of the colon and rectum. If these carriers can be identified they can take preventive measures such as screening to reduce their risk of cancer and death. We will develop a model using data from the Colon Cancer Family Registry (CFR), the world's largest dataset of carriers and non-carriers which has already recruited and genetically tested over 4,000 families from Australasia, USA and Canada. The model will allow clinicians to predict who is a likely be a carrier based so they can be tested for the mutation. We know the risk of cancer is high in carriers, but we don't have precise estimates. We will use the Colon CFR applying sophisticated statistical methods required to answer this question. This data is critical for genetic counselling so appropriate decisions can be made by the patient and the doctor as to what preventive measures to take. We will also use the Colon CFR data to find out what how the carriers who develop cancer differ from those who stay cancer free using their completed lifestyle questionnaires which includes questions on diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, aspirin use, and oral contraceptive pill use. We may identify risk factors that carriers can avoid (or take up if they reduce cancer risk) to reduce their risk of cancer.Read moreRead less
Genetic And Environmental Risk Factors For Colorectal Cancer: Anatomic Site Specificity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$560,000.00
Summary
Cancer of the large bowel (colorectal cancer) is the second most common cancer in Australians and is becoming more common. Despite this, there is still much uncertainty about what causes some people to develop this cancer. We believe that some of this uncertainty arises because there are actually different causes of cancer for different sections of the colon and rectum. This study aims to collect information from 1000 people with colorectal cancer and 1000 people without colorectal cancer, and c ....Cancer of the large bowel (colorectal cancer) is the second most common cancer in Australians and is becoming more common. Despite this, there is still much uncertainty about what causes some people to develop this cancer. We believe that some of this uncertainty arises because there are actually different causes of cancer for different sections of the colon and rectum. This study aims to collect information from 1000 people with colorectal cancer and 1000 people without colorectal cancer, and compare various factors such as their genetic makeup, diet, AND lifestyle. We expect to find that some factors are more common in people with cancer in the upper parts of the bowel, while other factors are more common in people with cancer in the lower parts of the bowel. This kind of information can be used to design programs to prevent colorectal cancer. For example, we might advise people to exercise more or eat more fish in order to decrease their chances of developing this cancer.Read moreRead less
Vitamin D And Risk Of Cancer And Mortality In The Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$519,829.00
Summary
Overseas studies indicate that vitamin D might protect against certain cancers and other diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Vitamin D is made when skin is exposed to sunlight. Because sunlight is stronger in Australia than in most of the USA and Europe, where most studies were conducted, the results of those studies might not be relevant to Australia. In this study, we will see if vitamin D is important for cancer and mortality in Australia.