Research
Epidemiology

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The research of the Epidemiology Program focuses on understanding the reasons for the marked ethnic/racial differences in cancer incidence and mortality that it has documented over the past four decades in Hawaii. Studies of the role of lifestyle (diet, obesity, exercise, smoking, etc.), genetics and infectious agents are being conducted in order to identify risk factors leading to possible interventions aimed at reducing the burden of cancer in the state. It uniquely builds on the multiethnic composition of our population and addresses a major health problem, since cancer is soon-to-be the most common cause of mortality in Hawaii.

The program has a strong molecular component that provides investigators with the capability to include laboratory assays for genetic or epigenetic markers, infectious agents, and biochemical markers of exposure in their studies. In addition, there is considerable strength in nutritional assessment. Faculty members reflect expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, nutrition, bioinformatics, molecular genetics and molecular biology.

A special emphasis has been placed on the role of dietary constituents and body composition in enhancing or reducing the risk of cancer. Interactions between diet and nutrition and other external factors, such as infectious agents, or host susceptibility factors, such as inherited factors, are areas of intense current research activity. Ongoing funded research projects use cohort, case-control, and other study designs, to test hypotheses related to the etiology of breast, prostate, colorectum, cervix, ovary, lung, and other cancers. Intervention trials and feeding studies that test the biological effects of particular dietary components, such as intake of plant foods or well-done meat, comprise another area of research interest.

The Program achieves a high level of research productivity, with regard to nationally peer-reviewed grants and publications. It has attained a high level of international recognition through a number of landmark studies of migrants to Hawaii and its multiethnic research. Its Faculty regularly serve on national and international scientific and policy-setting panels. It is also engaged in teaching and training through affiliated appointments in the instructional units of the Manoa campus, and through a postdoctoral training grant from the National Cancer Institute.

Contact Information
Epidemiology Program
1236 Lauhala Street, Suite 407
Honolulu, HI 96813
Telephone: (808) 586-2985
Fax: (808) 586-2982