Translating cancer science into prevention and intervention
How can we reduce the risk of getting cancer?
We know that tobacco use, environmental exposure, and genetics are big risk factors in developing cancer. But we also know that those are just a few of the circumstances that can determine who will develop cancer — and we’re still learning how to identify, assess and prevent their impact.
From biomarkers for early detection and diagnosis, to long-term epidemiological studies, the scientists in Roswell Park’s Population Science Program explore the cause and progression of common cancers, and develop intervention programs to address cancer in the community.
Because low resourced populations bear a disproportionate share of cancer morbidity and mortality, our multidisciplinary team also investigates cancer health disparities; access to screening and care; and biologic, genetic and lifestyle factors.
By translating research into actions that reduce cancer burdens, Population Science seeks to maximize community impact – especially for groups that need help the most.
Program goals
The overall goal of the Population Science Program is to decrease cancer morbidity and mortality through the identification of exposures and genetic factors that affect cancer risk and prognosis and to develop primary, secondary, and tertiary cancer prevention interventions.
Aim 1: Primary prevention
To reduce cancer risk by intervening on modifiable risk factors, especially the burden of smoking-related cancers, with research efforts focused on the individual, regional, national and global levels.
Aim 2: Understanding risk
To use molecular epidemiology to elucidate cancer risk and underlying biologic mechanisms.
Aim 3: Treatment outcomes
To investigate factors that influence cancer treatment outcomes, for insights into interventions to enhance quality of life and improve survival in our cancer patients.
Program highlights
Recognition by Congressional Families® Program for cancer prevention and early detection efforts
“Roswell Park’s commitment to meeting communities where they are — from mobile screening to Indigenous cancer health programs—is helping close critical gaps in care.”
Opening plenary and book debut at international conference
Rodney C. Haring, PhD, MSW, Chair of the Department of Indigenous Cancer Health, co-delivered the Opening Plenary, “Treaty, Cancer, and World Health,” at the World Indigenous Cancer Conference in New Zealand on April 21, 2026. The event also marked the global release of his first book, Indigenous Genetics, Biobanking, Chemistry, and Cancer Research.
Research team documents link between abdominal fat and development of non-small cell lung cancer
“Our results provide strong evidence that obesity is a risk factor driving lung cancer development and that strategies to correct the effects of obesity on airway immune cells may help us to prevent or intercept early-stage lung cancers in people at high risk of developing lung cancer.”
Chief of cancer screening reflects on landmark state bill
“The more commonplace lung cancer screening becomes, the more lives we will save and the more communities we will improve.”
We train Tobacco Treatment Specialists to make a difference in their communities
Our week-long Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS) Training Program is one of just 28 accredited worldwide, with more than 250 people having attended via generously donated scholarships as part of Roswell Park’s commitment to support those working in communities that experience tobacco-related disparities.
Spotlight: Department of Indigenous Cancer Health
Roswell Park is located in the homelands of the Haudenosaunee or Iroquois Confederacy — a league of Indigenous Nations who have the first treaties with the United States.
Indigenous communities face some of the greatest cancer related challenges including decreased access to screening, higher mortality rates and persistent challenges in health disparities.
In January 2020, Roswell Park’s Department of Indigenous Cancer Health launched with a simple and ambitious goal: to reduce the impact of cancer on these at-risk populations regionally, nationally and internationally.
Departments affiliated with Population Science
Education & training
In addition to our research, clinical trials and community outreach, Roswell Park is committed to training the next generation of basic and clinician scientists to treat and defeat cancer.
Trainees in our Cancer Prevention PhD track study closely with program members and participate in all phases of basic and translational research.
Contact us
Jessica Wagonblott, BA
Program Administrator
Phone: 716-845-8170
Email: Jessica.Wagonblott@RoswellPark.org