Epidemiology. Risk biomarkers. Intervention trials. Health disparities and equity.

From laboratory research and epidemiological studies to social sciences and community outreach, the scientists in Roswell Park’s Department of Cancer Prevention & Control (CPC) explore the cause and progression of common cancers, and develop intervention programs for at-risk communities.

Image
Christine Ambrosone

“Driven by the diverse backgrounds and training of our faculty, our group conducts cancer research that spans the study of behavioral, biologic and social determinants of cancer risk and outcomes. This multidisciplinary approach fuels exciting research opportunities and findings that have real relevance for the patients and populations that we serve.”

What we do

Landmark Research

Roswell Park has been conducting prominent epidemiological research for more than half a century, dating back to a groundbreaking landmark paper in JAMA published in 1950 on Cancer and Tobacco Smoking – one of the first to link cigarette smoking to lung cancer.

CPC research at Roswell Park ranges from conducting population-based molecular epidemiology studies to intervention studies in cancer patients and survivors to improve cancer outcomes.

Some of our current investigations include:

  • The role of gene-environment interactions in cancer etiology and prognosis, with ongoing research in cancers of the ovary, breast, lung, head and neck, esophagus, prostate and bladder.
  • Breast cancer disparities to better understand the reasons for more aggressive breast cancer in Black women.
  • Cancer health equity in African American, Hispanic and Native American populations.

Our innovative intervention studies examine the effectiveness of behavioral strategies to prevent cancer and cancer recurrence, particularly dietary and weight loss interventions for the primary prevention of cancer. We focus on translating evidence-based intervention strategies for diverse communities using an implementation science framework.

Research highlights

Image

15 years. 35,000 people. Better testing. Earlier detection. More effective treatment.

Roswell Park is home to one of the most powerful tools available to cancer researchers — the Data Bank and BioRepository (DBBR). This resource helps scientists around the world zero in on biological differences between people who have cancer and people who don’t.

Training the next generation of scientists

In addition to our research and community outreach, the Department of Cancer Prevention & Control is actively involved in hands-on teaching with Master’s and PhD students in our highly competitive graduate studies program.

Our multidisciplinary education model allows students a unique immersive experience, preparing them for successful careers as independent investigators. 

Contact us

Gregory L. Ciupak, MPH
Senior Department Administrator
Phone: 716-845-8863
Fax: 716-845-8487
Email: Gregory.Ciupak@RoswellPark.org