Population-based Detection Of Hereditary Non-polyposis Colorectal Cancer: Development Of New Best Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$356,250.00
Summary
Approximately 1-2% of all large bowel cancers are thought to be caused by inherited defects in genes involved in the repair of DNA. These cancers are indistinguishable from those that occur in the general population and this has made it difficult to identify individuals and families with the defective gene. It has been estimated that only about 10-20% of individuals affected by this familial cancer syndrome are being referred to specialized genetic service centres for testing. The large majority ....Approximately 1-2% of all large bowel cancers are thought to be caused by inherited defects in genes involved in the repair of DNA. These cancers are indistinguishable from those that occur in the general population and this has made it difficult to identify individuals and families with the defective gene. It has been estimated that only about 10-20% of individuals affected by this familial cancer syndrome are being referred to specialized genetic service centres for testing. The large majority of familial colorectal cancers occur in young patients aged less than 60 years at diagnosis. Identification of these cases would allow genetic testing to be carried out on other family members who might also carry the mutant gene, thus allowing regular surveillance and a far greater likelihood of early detection and therefore cure. The aim of this project is to use a relatively simple laboratory-based method to test for the possibility that colorectal cancer in young patients (<60 years) may be inherited. From our preliminary data we expect that about 2% of all large bowel cancers, or 20 cases per year in Western Australia, may be familial. These individuals will be referred to Genetic Services WA for proper evaluation of their family history for cancer and for further DNA testing in an attempt to identify the defective gene. For positive cases, affected family members could then be tested for the gene after appropriate genetic counselling.Read moreRead less
Sociocultural Determinants Of Childrens Oral Health From Refugee And Migrant Communities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$57,342.00
Summary
Refugee and migrant children experience significantly poorer oral health than the non-migrant population. Factors that impact on poor oral health include perceptions of tap water safety, dietary changes, access to prevention and treatment health services, and language barriers. This study will explore reasons for these factors and potential solutions. Communities involved are those which have arrived the most recently and those with large numbers of young children.
Child Disability:understanding Determinants And Improving Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,605.00
Summary
The overall goals of my research are: to learn more about the causes of developmental disorders so that we can either prevent them occurring, or develop effective treatments for them; to improve the understanding, diagnosis and management of rare genetic disorders by developing and maintaining registers and by collaborating internationally; and to investigate the impact of rare and common developmental disorders on the health and quality of life of the affected child and their family.
A Roadmap For Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Adolescent Health: Defining Priority Health Needs And Actions Through The Empowerment & Capacity Development Of Young People.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,002,448.00
Summary
A third of the Indigenous population are adolescents, their health central to cultural continuity and health equity. Yet priority health needs and evidence-based responses for Indigenous adolescents remain poorly defined, a barrier to effective policy. The project is significant because it will establish a roadmap to guide actions around Indigenous adolescent health. It will also result in a network of engaged and up-skilled Indigenous young people who can drive implementation.
A Practical New Method Of Measuring Population Salt Intake
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$327,193.00
Summary
The World Health Organization has set a target for member countries to reduce salt intake by 30% by 2025. Key to this is measurement of population salt intake. Collection of 24-hour urine samples is the gold standard used to estimate salt intake but this method is burdensome. Collection of a single urine sample is an alternative method. This project will bring together all of the available data worldwide to assess the reliability of using a single urine sample to measure population salt intake.
Congenital Cytomegalovirus: Understanding The Long-term Outcomes And Identifying Opportunities For Secondary Prevention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Cytomegalovirus is a herpesvirus that can be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy. Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) can cause damage to the developing central nervous system leading to long-term disabilities including cerebral palsy and hearing loss. This epidemiological research program seeks to investigate cCMV risk factors and burden, opportunities for early detection of neuro-developmental disabilities and to study the effects of postnatal antiviral therapies in this population.
Advanced Non-invasive Cardiovascular Risk Screening In The Community: Practical And Cost Effective?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$287,321.00
Summary
This research focuses on the practicalities and cost of mobile, advanced, non-invasive cardiovascular assessments to determine the extent of CVD and clinical risk factors and its likely impact on patterns of treatment and care to “disadvantaged” individuals living in rural and remote regions and Indigenous Australians. The advantage of directly acquiring risk profile information has not been fully explored and its potential to address an “epidemic” of CVD world-wide cannot be overstated.