Cancer Prevention

Cancer is now the most common chronic diseases in developed countries worldwide.  In Ireland alone, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, it is estimated that by 2040 cancer cases will increase by 81% for females and 108% for males. In addition, Ireland is following the global trend towards an ageing demographic that will result in a corresponding increase in the incidence of cancer.   

There are increasing opportunities to improve our approach to cancer prevention. It is now possible for some patients to identify the best approach to cancer treatment based on the genetic profile of their tumour. Fully characterizing a person’s genetic makeup and understanding their environmental exposures over time will enable us to tailor personalised measures to screen for and prevent cancer. 

Our research programmes in cancer prevention are focused on: 

• Developing new approaches to reducing susceptibility or exposure, to common modifiable risk factors (called primary prevention). Examples of modifiable risk factorsincluding smoking, alcohol,  diet, insufficient physical activity,  and obesity.  Other modifiable risk factors include environmental risk factors such as occupational hazards, chemical agents and infectious diseases such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis B and C virus, (HBV, HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).  Our research programmes also focus on evaluating current screening protocols and developing new approaches and technologies for cancer screening to support both prevention and early detection of cancers 
• Identifying and characterising genetic predisposition for cancer.The major non-modifiable risk factor for cancer is genetic predisposition which is a major research area within the cancer prevention research theme at TSJCI. This research is focussed on understanding the genetic variants that predispose to cancer and using this knowledge to build a world-class cancer genetics service at TSJCI, which will be vital towards implementing preventative measures to reduce cancer incidence and mortality.  

The Cancer Prevention Research Theme within the Trinity St James Cancer Institute comprises a broad spectrum of research areas, from molecular epidemiology, molecular diagnostics, cancer, genetics, translational research, cancer screening, disease modelling, behavioural science, and medical gerontology.  We have several well-established research consortium, working in the area of cancer prevention of ageing population www.tilda.tcd.ie and the cervical screening population www.cerviva.ie 

Theme Leads

Prof. John O Leary
Prof. Cara Martin
Dr Karen Cadoo