The Section applies genetic epidemiological techniques to investigate the aetiology of disease and predictors of prognosis alongside developing statistical and epidemiological methods. Specific research interests include colorectal cancer, melanoma, testicular cancer, cardiovascular disease and methodology based on large numbers of genetic variants and/or the interaction of genes and environment. Epidemiological approaches include family studies and case-control studies. The overall approach is to bring biologists, clinicians, epidemiologists and statisticians together to develop, conduct and interpret these studies.
The Section coordinates the activities of the worldwide melanoma genetics consortium (Genomel, www.genomel.org, lead Prof Julia Newton-Bishop). Studies include (i) investigation of melanoma risk focusing on lifestyle, UV exposure and skin phenotype and (ii) factors influencing prognosis including germline variation, tumour characteristics and lifestyle .
The bowel neoplasia studies (lead Prof Tim Bishop) focus on the joint effects of diet and genes on both early and late stage disease.
Novel statistical methodologies are required for the handling of extensive data in genome-wide association studies, for proteomics studies and for understanding the joint effects on risk of environmental exposures and gene variants. The Statistics Group (lead Dr Jenny Barrett) focuses on the development, evaluation and application of such methods.
To enhance our research we collaborate with researchers across the world. Sharing data can often be in the best interests of the patients and their families from whom these data are derived. To download our Section data sharing statement please click here.