Population Sciences

Influencing improved prevention, screening, and therapeutic strategies for cancer, and reducing disparities in care

Full Project Name:Population SciencesPrincipal Investigator:Gustavo Leone, PhD, BiochemistryCo-Investigator:Hallgeir Rui, MD, PhD, PathologyAward Amount:$5,213,271

Award Date

February2012

Project Duration:113 months

Project Description Narrative:

Cancer is a leading cause of death among Wisconsin residents. Although the development of new technology is important to preventing and treating cancer in the Wisconsin population, better use of existing tools could decrease morbidity and mortality from cancer more quickly.

The most common cancers all have methods available for prevention, screening, treatment, and/or improving survivorship care, but unfortunately these methods are known to be underused. Increasing our cancer knowledge will improve outcomes, decrease rates of incidence, and reduce cancer disparities in underserved populations.

In response, this project aims to support outstanding research to influence the implementation of improved prevention, screening, and therapeutic strategies for cancer and reducing disparities in care.

Outcomes & Lessons Learned:

Published more than 85 articles to share Population Sciences researchers' findings with the larger scientific community
Recruited additional faculty to expand Population Science expertise
Leveraged additional funding, in collaboration with the Division of Hematology/Oncology, through an award from the National Cancer Institute to explore recurrence and quality of life for patients with leukemia who stop taking their medication under medical supervision
Supported work around cancer prevention, screening and education efforts through a series of presentations and community-based efforts
Awarded four seed grants to generate preliminary data and initiate partnerships to advance cancer research
Documented more than 50 leveraging efforts that led to $61 million in funding
Conducted 25 local, national, or international presentations with more than 280 presentations overall through this program