Ken Batai

Biography:

I am a cancer health disparities researcher trained in anthropological genetics and medical anthropology. This unique training prepared me to conduct transdisciplinary research projects to understand the interactions of gene/biology and social/behavior factors affecting development and progression of various diseases, particularly cancer, while appreciating biologic and cultural diversity. The overarching goal of my research is to identify genetic, biological, and social/behavioral factors causing cancer health disparities and to understand societal factors affecting cancer treatment disparities to develop recommendations for equitable care in racial/ethnic minority groups.

My previous research projects explored roles of vitamin D in prostate cancer among African American men, barriers and facilitators of cancer screening among American Indian men, and genomic studies of complex diseases and traits. My current projects funded by National Cancer Institute and Department of Defense investigate causes and patterns of kidney cancer surgical treatment disparities in Hispanics and American Indians and relationship between abdominal adiposity and renal cell carcinoma molecular and clinical characteristics. I also explore structural inequalities and social determinants of health as underlying factors of cancer health disparities impacting treatments and care as well as clinical and molecular characteristics.