ABOUT US
Our team uses high quality data and rigorous analytical approaches to study ways to eliminate cancer health disparities. We are focused on examining why cancer disparities exist globally, and identifying effective strategies to mitigate disparities. We examine why certain groups develop more aggressive cancers compared with others, and why cancer outcomes differ between groups. By doing this, we can create strategies to ensure that everyone has the best possible outcome after a cancer diagnosis. We are interested in a range of explanatory factors at the individual, neighborhood and policy level that can be targeted to improve outcomes for all patients. Learn more about our research and areas of study below.
AREAS OF RESEARCH
BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF CANCER
Our work on the biological basis of cancer evaluates the role of individual risk factors (eg diet, physical activity) that may impact biological pathways (eg metabolic dysregulation, inflammation and epigenetics), resulting in increased risk of certain cancer subtypes and survival outcomes.
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ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE
We focus on comprehensively defining multiple dimensions of healthcare-- including affordability, availability, accessibility, accommodation, and acceptability-- among cancer patients from diverse backgrounds. We also examine the impact of each dimension on receipt of quality treatment, quality of life and survival.
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STRUCTURAL RACISM
Structural racism refers to the historical, institutional and interpersonal inequities that produces cumulative and chronic adverse outcomes for people of color. We study how structural racism, specifically residential segregation and racial discrimination becomes embodied and impacts cancer-related risk factors, biological mechanisms relevant to tumorigenesis, tumor aggressiveness and survival among Blacks in the US.
PUBLICATIONS
BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF CANCER
Our work has examined the relationship between metabolic dysregulation, systemic inflammation and cancer disparities. For instance, we examined whether biomarkers of metabolic dysregulation was associated with higher risk of cancer mortality and racial differences in these associations. We found that certain biomarkers are associated with cancer outcomes, and this association was differential by race, highlighting a biological mechanism associated with cancer mortality disparities.
Go to publications page to learn more.