Courses in Epidemiology

Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. The aim of this 5-day course is to provide an overview of the contributions of exogenous and endogenous factors to the risk of various cancers.

The course starts with descriptive cancer epidemiology and an overview of current concepts of cancer development at the molecular and cell level. Subsequently, genetic and non-genetic risk factors for the most important cancers will be extensively discussed, as well as gene-environment interactions. Special attention will be given to risk factors for multiple primary cancers and recent results of chemo prevention studies. Although the emphasis of the course will be on etiologic factors, one session will specifically address time trends in cancer incidence, mortality and survival rates, followed by a discussion on whether or not we are winning the battle against cancer.


Objectives:

•   Gain insight in the contributions of exogenous and endogenous, genetic and non-genetic factors to the risk of various cancers, and gene-environment interactions.

•   Acquire knowledge on descriptive cancer epidemiology and current concepts of cancer development at the molecular and cell level.