The overall goal of the Cancer Epidemiology Program is to perform epidemiologic research that provides additional knowledge for educational and service-oriented activities aimed at decreasing cancer incidence and mortality, increasing survival, and improving quality of life. A major strength of the Cancer Epidemiology Program is its extension beyond the walls of the medical center, as its primary research population is residents across the state of Iowa. This is based on the role played by the University of Iowa College of Public Health in public health across Iowa, including cancer epidemiology. Members of the Cancer Epidemiology Program are responsible for the Iowa Cancer Registry which is part of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute. Importantly, the NCI SEER program recently identified the Iowa Cancer Registry as having the best overall quality score among all participating SEER Registries. This resource allows researchers in the Cancer Epidemiology Program to perform outstanding population-based cancer research. Information gained from these studies can then be applied to other states and other populations.

The Cancer Epidemiology Program has four focus areas.

1. Cancer Etiology
2. Cancer Health Services and Outcomes
3. Oral Health and Cancer
4. Cancer Prevention and Control

Members of the Cancer Epidemiology Program

Research Program Membership Guidelines