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, with the goal of 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 will be 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, led by Dr. Marvella Ford, PhD. 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. This growth will enable 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 the state of South Carolina. The Cancer Prevention and Control Program value the exciting statewide cancer prevention and control initiatives, including the South Carolina Cancer Alliance, and seeks to participate fully in these efforts. 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 prevention and control. Current Cancer Prevention and Control Research Projects Epidemiologic Research: A cohort study to investigate if genetic variation in the nucleotide excision repair pathway 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, Ph.D., M.P.H.) Prevention Research: 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, Ph.D.) In collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), analysis of youth smoking behavior and its correlates (e.g., attitudes towards smoking, school policy, parental influences). (PI, Matthew J. Carpenter, Ph.D.) Examination of the health impact of genetic testing for alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency, a condition that usually results in emphysema in individuals exposed to cigarette smoke. Research tests whether, among smokers, knowledge of genetic status results in quit attempts and abstinence. (Matthew J. Carpenter, Ph.D.) Identifying the barriers to the dissemination of the HPV vaccine to a target population of 11-12 year old females (PI, Sharon Bond, M.S.N.) NCI funding pending. Survivorship Research: Research to determine the impact of participation on a dragon boat racing team on well-being 1) psychologically; 2) physically; and 3) enhanced overall quality of life. (PI, Cindy L. Carter, Ph.D.) NCI funding pending. Vision for the future: In close ties with community partners, establish a community-based center for cancer prevention and control research. Resources would include a repository for biological specimens and long term follow-up of participants. Implement in a community with racial/ethnic diversity so that disparities questions can be addressed. Educational Mission As the cancer prevention and control program grows, we will be seeking opportunities to contribute to the training of the next generation of population-based cancer researchers. Conducting meaningful research in the future will require a unique skill set to work in an interdisciplinary environment. Educational activities currently include a course in cancer epidemiology, prevention, and control and mentoring students. Community-Based Cancer Prevention and Control Projects Advances in our understanding of cancer, and in our ability to detect and treat it, have led to greater survival rates. Today, there are more than 9 million cancer survivors in the United States, and millions more who have been touched by the disease as family members and friends. The Hollings Cancer Center has several innovative programs in place to address the physical and emotional needs of cancer survivors and their loved ones, and to offer them the tools to live as fully as possible. | 
