Current projections indicate that the burden of cancer will increase from 10 million new cases globally in 2000, to 15 million in 2020. This public health burden will necessitate further research into the etiology and prevention of cancer. Epidemiology provides an important approach to elucidating the causes of cancer, improving our understanding of mechanisms, as well as developing strategies for the treatment, prevention and control of cancer.

Students in the cancer epidemiology program receive training in epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, related substantive areas, and cancer biology. Outside the classroom, students obtain an appreciation for interdisciplinary, collaborative research by working with diverse and strong faculty. The program also has an NCI-funded T32 cancer epidemiology training grant, now active for 25 years. The strengths and national reputation of the program and department has consistently attracted top graduate students. Program graduates have gone on to assume positions at the University of Washington, MD Anderson Cancer Center, National Cancer Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vanderbilt University, and other academic, federal, and private organizations.