Research Type: Multiple Sites Cancer
Project Description
The role of genetics in the risk of common cancers across racial and ethnic groups is uncertain. Cancer is caused by a complex interaction of genetic and environmental risk factors. A polygenic risk score is a method for estimating an individual’s risk by considering this interaction. Dr. Haiman’s research group will evaluate the effect of polygenic risk scores and their interactions with modifiable risk factors, like diet and physical activity, on the risk of three common types of cancer in the Multiethnic Cohort Study. A better understanding of the interplay of genetic susceptibility and lifestyle risk factors may facilitate the identification of racial and ethnic subgroups to whom preventive interventions would be most effective.
