The National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (NCI DCEG) is a leading research division dedicated to unraveling cancer’s origins and identifying risk factors. Its primary mission involves conducting epidemiological and genetic research to understand cancer causes and inform prevention strategies, ultimately reducing the global burden of cancer.
Understanding NCI DCEG
NCI DCEG operates as a specialized division within the National Cancer Institute (NCI), which is part of the broader National Institutes of Health (NIH). The division’s distinct focus lies in two interconnected fields: epidemiology and genetics. Epidemiology involves the study of disease patterns, incidence, and prevalence within diverse populations, examining why certain groups are affected differently.
The genetics component investigates inherited factors that influence disease susceptibility, including specific gene mutations and variations. NCI DCEG aims to identify a range of factors that contribute to cancer risk and outcomes, encompassing environmental exposures, lifestyle choices, and genetic predispositions, allowing for a deeper understanding of cancer development across populations.
The division engages in extensive collaborations with other NIH divisions, national, and international partners to achieve its research goals. This collaborative environment allows for a broad range of expertise to be applied to complex questions in cancer research.
Investigating Cancer Causes
NCI DCEG investigates multiple areas to understand how cancer develops. Epidemiological studies examine cancer patterns across diverse populations, utilizing large-scale cohort studies that follow groups of individuals over time, and case-control studies that compare individuals with cancer to those without. These studies help identify potential links between various exposures and cancer incidence.
Genetic research at NCI DCEG focuses on identifying inherited genetic mutations and variations that increase an individual’s susceptibility to cancer. This includes studying families with rare inherited cancer syndromes, like Li-Fraumeni syndrome, to understand genetic and modifiable factors in disease risk. For instance, they have genotyped over 100,000 individuals to study inherited variations.
Investigations also extend to environmental and lifestyle factors, examining how elements like diet, physical activity, obesity, and specific exposures contribute to cancer. This includes studying the impact of tobacco, radiation, chemicals, and infections, such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV), on cancer development. For example, HPV16 is known to cause about half of all cervical cancers. NCI DCEG utilizes advanced scientific techniques, including high-throughput next-generation sequencing and genome-wide association studies, to analyze large datasets and uncover etiologic patterns.
Turning Research into Prevention and Health Strategies
NCI DCEG’s research findings are translated into public health strategies to reduce the burden of cancer. Identifying specific risk factors, such as dietary habits or environmental exposures, helps in developing evidence-based public health guidelines. For example, research indicates that increased intake of fiber and polyphenol-rich foods, like fruits and vegetables, can decrease the risk of various cancers.
This research also contributes to improved risk assessment, helping individuals and healthcare providers understand both individual and population-level cancer risks. The insights gained from their studies inform the development of screening recommendations and healthy lifestyle advice. Public awareness campaigns are also supported by these findings, educating people about controllable and uncontrollable cancer risks.
NCI DCEG’s work aims to decrease cancer incidence and mortality by providing information to individuals and policymakers. This includes guidance on behaviors such as avoiding smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and increasing physical activity, all of which are important for cancer prevention.