340.724.11
Global Cancer Epidemiology

Cancelled

Prerequisite:

Previous epidemiology coursework or concurrent enrollment in the Summer Institute’s Principles of Epidemiology course.

Description:

Cancer is now a major health concern globally in both developed and developing countries. The consistently higher morbidity and mortality in developing compared to developed countries, indicates a poor prognosis for incident cancer cases in low resource settings and underscores the need for education, research, and capacity development.

Examines the causes, incidence, and trends in cancer globally, with a perspective on the differences across settings. Provides an epidemiological foundation for understanding cancer statistics and engaging in international cancer research and control activities. Covers key concepts such as study designs for cancer epidemiology and interventions, use and meaning of common cancer statistics, levels of prevention, and cancer screening/use of diagnostic tests.

Learning Objectives:

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

1. Describe and contrast the causes and distribution of the most common human cancers, including important global trends in incidence due to lifestyle factors, HIV, aging, and increased use of/improved screening in low- to middle-income countries (LMICs)
2. Employ and interpret epidemiological methods to determine cancer burden and test prevention and treatment strategies in various global settings with a focus on LMICs
3. Identify areas of public health practice in cancer epidemiology and prevention that have global relevance, including development of national cancer control plans and cancer registration, and methods ti assess the needs and barriers of cancer prevention and research in LMICs

Methods of Assessment:

Short online quizzes based on the assigned readings and the days’ lectures (4 @10% each); take-home short answer exam that covers all course material - DUE July 3 (20%); final group mini-presentation on a research question addressing an important gap in our knowledge in a global cancer and proposed appropriate study design (25%); daily attendance and participation (15%)

Instructor Consent:

No consent required

Special Comments:

Students will be expected to complete a set of course reading materials prior to the first day of class (Reading 1). In addition, the course will include out of class work each day during the course, as indicated above, including daily readings (Short reading 2, 3, 4) and an online daily quizzes (Quiz 1, 2, 3, 4). In addition, although in class time will be provided to facilitate development of the group presentation, students will be expected to work on and complete their final group presentations during out of class time.