Predicting The Individual Risk Of Prostate Cancer In Australian Men
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$348,656.00
Summary
Prostate cancer is a major cause of disability and death in Australian men. A number of factors, particularly age and family history, influence the risk of prostate cancer but, in contrast to breast cancer, we don't know what is the risk of developing prostate cancer over a period of time for a man with a specific set of risk factors. In fact, while a number of statistical models have been developed that use a woman's risk factor profile to estimate her risk of breast cancer, none is currently a ....Prostate cancer is a major cause of disability and death in Australian men. A number of factors, particularly age and family history, influence the risk of prostate cancer but, in contrast to breast cancer, we don't know what is the risk of developing prostate cancer over a period of time for a man with a specific set of risk factors. In fact, while a number of statistical models have been developed that use a woman's risk factor profile to estimate her risk of breast cancer, none is currently available for prostate cancer. We will apply standard statistical methods to existing data from the Australian Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer study and from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare to develop a prostate cancer risk prediction model. We will test how factor like age, detailed family history, diet, baldness status and possibly previous PSA tests and prostate biopsies predict the risk. After developing the model, we will test the accuracy of the predictions in three ways. First, using existing data from the Australian Prostate Cancer Family Study, we will see whether the number of cases in a group of men is close to the number predicted by the model (calibration). Second, to test whether the model discriminate well men who develop prostate cancer from those who do not, we will collect family trees in a sample from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. We will use these data also to estimate the optimal cut point: men above this level of risk will be considered at high risk. Third, we will apply the model to existing data from the Dutch Prostate Cancer Family Study (DPCFS) to test whether the optimal cut point identify high-risk men and to validate the model in a non-Australian population. Finally, we will prepare a computer package that health professionals will use as decision-making tool in different scenarios including individual cancer risk assessment, design of prevention trials and targeting prevention programs to high-risk men.Read moreRead less
Automated Mammographic Measures That Predict Breast Cancer Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$406,260.00
Summary
Mammographic density (MD) is one of the strongest predictors of breast cancer risk but its impractical measurement prevents its use in a clinical setting. An automated measure of MD would allow screening programs to identify and target women at higher risk of breast cancer which could lead to earlier diagnoses and better breast cancer outcomes. We aim to develop an automated measurement, maximized by its ability to predict breast cancer risk, and applicable to both film and digital mammograms.
Genetic Epidemiology Of Endometrial Cancer: Towards Understanding Aetiology And Improving Risk Prediction.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$353,573.00
Summary
Studies investigating thousands of genetic markers have revolutionised our understanding of genes involved in cancer, and shown that a single gene can be associated with multiple cancers. We will conduct the largest ever study to find new genes for endometrial cancer, the most common gynaecological cancer. Our unique approach will examine >11million markers across the genome, some specifically in regions known to be important for other cancers. Findings will be used for risk prediction models ....Studies investigating thousands of genetic markers have revolutionised our understanding of genes involved in cancer, and shown that a single gene can be associated with multiple cancers. We will conduct the largest ever study to find new genes for endometrial cancer, the most common gynaecological cancer. Our unique approach will examine >11million markers across the genome, some specifically in regions known to be important for other cancers. Findings will be used for risk prediction models.Read moreRead less
Clinical, Environmental And Genetic Factors And The Risk Of Oesophageal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$145,685.00
Summary
Oesophageal cancer is a rapidly fatal disease which is becoming more common in Australia, the United States and other industrialised nations. This study will examine the mechanisms leading to the development of oesophageal cancer and aims to measure the effects of genes and environment on the burden of cancer. Ultimately, this research will help target persons at highest risk so that screening, prevention and surveillance efforts can be directed more effectively.
Better Data To Inform Interventions To Reduce The Risk Of Stillbirth In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$75,830.00
Summary
Stillbirth is a devastating experience for parents and families. Paucity of high quality data on causes and contributing factors is a major barrier to the development of research priorities and interventions to prevent stillbirths and improve the quality of care. This research will be a connected body of work that aims to better describe the epidemiology of stillbirth in Australia, contribute to the classification of stillbirths and determine the needs of parents in relation to autopsy consent.
Dengue Transmission Under Climate Change In Northern Australia: Linking Ecological And Population Based Models To Develop Adaptive Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$444,293.00
Summary
The mosquito-transmitted viral disease, dengue, is likely to be influenced by climate change. It has been accorded priority for human health adaptation research (National Adaptation Research Plan, Human Health). Dengue has major health impacts in North Queensland, and causes major losses to the Queensland blood supply. The research will develop a model for climate-related changes in the future occurrence of dengue to predict risk in North Queensland and other parts of Australia.
DNA methylation is a process that plays a critical role throughout life by altering the expression of genes. We aim to investigate the potential use of methylation as a target for prevention strategies and for men with no clinical evidence of disease, as a marker of their risk for prostate cancer, particularly its aggressive form.
Understanding Ethnic Differences In The Relationships Between Cardiovascular Risk Factors And Cardiovascular Disease In High Risk Populations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$151,374.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (disease of the heart and blood vessels) is the leading cause of death world-wide. However, the burden of this disease is significantly greater in some populations, including Indigenous Australians and South Asians (Indians, Pakistanis or Bangladeshis). This project therefore aims to improve our understanding of CVD risk in these populations, and to develop better clinical assessment tools that will assist in the early detection and management of CVD in these individuals.
Using Epidemiological Methods To Investigate How Genetic, Environmental And Lifestyle Factors Influence Cancer Incidence And Cancer Survivorship; And Translation Into Cancer Prevention And Policy Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,747.00
Summary
This research program focuses on investigating genetic, environmental and lifestyle causes of cancer, preventing new cases of cancer, and improving outcomes after a cancer diagnosis, particularly for melanoma and gynaecological cancer, which carry a heavy burden in the Australian population. The research will also inform the best allocation of health system resources for cancer control, and ensure translation of research findings into cancer prevention, clinical practice and policy outcomes.
Risk prediction models incorporating multiple risk factors (including genetic markers) are a recognised method to identify individuals at high risk of developing breast or colorectal cancer, but it is uncertain which model(s) currently perform best in a population setting. We aim to compare the predictive ability of each available model. Knowing which model performs best will facilitate early diagnosis, reduce overall costs by better targeting interventions and improve cancer survival.