Cancer Prevention and Control

The Cancer Prevention and Control research program brings together an interdisciplinary team of experts dedicated to reducing the burden of cancer across the cancer center’s catchment area. Members span  behavioral and implementation science, rural heath, primary care, oncology, epidemiology, translational biology, pharmacology, biostatistics and health services research. 

The Cancer Prevention and Control program focuses on the cancers that most affect our region, including  tobacco-related cancers, prostate cancer, breast cancer gastrointestinal cancers and hematologic malignancies. Many of these cancers are preventable or influenced by modifiable risk factors.  In partnership with Community Outreach and Engagement investigators work with patients, providers, advocacy groups and public health partners to ensure research reflects community needs and leads to real-world impact.

Their work spans the cancer control continuum, from population-level prevention and early detection to targeted prevention for high-risk individuals and survivorship research that strengthens long-term outcomes. The team advances tobacco control, cancer screening, precision risk assessment, early detection and survivorship science.  Researchers have produced documented, measurable shifts in clinical practice guidelines and standards of care at the local, state and national levels, demonstrating the program’s ability to translate discovery into real-world impact.

The Cancer Prevention and Control research program is led by Jennifer Klemp, PhD, MPH, Nikki Nollen, PhD, and Anthony Sung, MD. Lauren Nye, MD, serves as research program liaison, supporting program members as they collaborate across scientific, clinical and community programs. She helps ensure research efforts are connected and coordinated.