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Cancer control research has been defined as "the creation and application of knowledge and strategies to prevent and detect cancer, and to increase survival and quality of life for those who develop cancer." (Best et al 2003).

To develop new methods to prevent cancer, we seek to advance understanding of the causes of cancer in human populations, and apply this information to reduce the occurrence of cancer. For example, cigarette smoking is estimated to be responsible for roughly one-third of all cancer deaths in the United States. Successful tobacco control efforts can make a huge impact in reducing the suffering and loss of life from cancer. Similarly, the link between cancer and lifestyle-related factors such as diet, physical activity, and obesity are becoming more clearly understood, opening up additional avenues for cancer prevention interventions.

Another important aspect of cancer prevention is detecting cancer in its early, more curable stages to reduce mortality when there is an effective screening method available. Research to identify barriers to cancer screening and to find ways to effectively address these barriers is another important element of cancer prevention research.

For patients diagnosed with cancer, the goal of cancer control research is to achieve a better understanding of the psychosocial and physical issues introduced by a cancer diagnosis and ensuing treatment. Another goal is evaluating effective coping strategies and developing appropriate intervention strategies that improve the quality of life of cancer survivors and their families.

The Cancer Prevention and Control Program at the Hollings Cancer Center is committed to advancing the state of the science of cancer prevention and control, and applying this knowledge to help reduce the burden cancer poses to the citizens of South Carolina. Unfortunately, cancer exacts a greater toll on African Americans and on the poorer segments of our society. Understanding and addressing disparities in cancer that occur across racial/ethnic and socioeconomic status lines is a priority for our program. Doing so will be greatly enhanced by working side-by-side with the Hollings Cancer Center's Program in Cancer Disparities.

We are currently amidst a growth phase to further enhance the scope of our research. The vision for the program is to build an interdisciplinary team of researchers within the Hollings Cancer Center that spans the range of expertise in the population sciences to effectively address the broad spectrum of issues that cancer prevention and control encompasses, from the behavioral and social sciences to molecular epidemiology.

Faculty recruited directly into the program include:

• Matthew Carpenter, PhD, (2006); tobacco control
• Joan Cunningham, PhD, (2007); breast cancer epidemiology
• Kristin Wallace, PhD (2008); epidemiology of colorectal and bladder cancers
• Katherine Regan Sterba, PhD, (2008); cancer survivorship research

This growth is enabling the Cancer Prevention and Control Program to expand its capability to collaborate with existing program members on the MUSC campus and at the University of South Carolina, and other researchers and public health practitioners throughout South Carolina and beyond.

The Cancer Prevention and Control Program values the exciting statewide cancer prevention and control initiatives and seeks to participate fully in these efforts.

State/Community Positions Held:

• Chair of the South Carolina Cancer Surveillance Committee, Anthony J. Alberg, PhD, MPH
• South Carolina’s Cancer Control Advisory Committee Member, Anthony J. Alberg, PhD, MPH
• Executive Board Member of the South Carolina Tobacco Collaborative, Anthony J. Alberg, PhD, MPH
• Chair of the Early Detection Task Force of the South Carolina Cancer Alliance, Debbie Bryant
• Vice-Chair of the Prevention Task Force of the South Carolina Cancer Alliance, Matthew Carpenter, PhD
• Vice-Chair of the Research Task Force of the South Carolina Cancer Alliance, Anthony J. Alberg, PhD, MPH

The scientific goal of the Cancer Prevention and Control program is to advance understanding of cancer causes, apply knowledge of risk factors to prevent cancer, increase quality of life of cancer survivors, with an emphasis on eliminating cancer disparities in South Carolina.  The overall goal of the program is to reduce the burden of cancer in South Carolina, while advancing the science of cancer epidemiology, prevention and control.

Examples of Current Cancer Prevention and Control Research Projects

Epidemiologic Research:

A cohort study to investigate if genetic variation in DNA repair pathways may at least partially account for the increased overall risk of cancer observed in individuals with a history of non-melanoma skin cancer. (PI, Anthony J. Alberg, PhD, MPH, NCI R01CA105069).

Prevention Research:

Identifying the barriers to the dissemination of the HPV vaccine to medically underserved 11-12 year-old females, accounting for similarities and differences across racial and ethnic groups. (PI, Sharon Bond, MSN, NCI R03CA130724; Co-investigator, Heather Brandt, PhD, CHES (USC); Mentors: Alberg/Ford).

Research to assess perceptions of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) among and between racially and ethnically diverse populations of smokers, to determine barriers to use of effective smoking cessation interventions. (PI, Matthew J. Carpenter, PhD, ACS IRG).

A study of stimulus control and trajectories of adolescent occasional smokers (PI, Matthew J. Carpenter, PhD NIDA K23DA020482).

A study to test a behavioral intervention  to motivate recalcitrant smokers to quit  (PI, Matthew J. Carpenter, PhD, NIDA R01DA021619).

Survivorship Research:

Research to determine the impact of participation in different types of physical activity programs on psychological and physical well-being and overall quality of life.
(PI, Cindy L.Carter, Ph.D. NCI R03CA128482  Mentor: Alberg).