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The Cancer Epidemiology and Cancer Prevention Track at the Harvard School of Public Health was one of the first and remains one of the most comprehensive academic programs in the world dedicated to the training of cancer epidemiologists.

Our curriculum includes both research methodology and courses of relevance to cancer epidemiology.  Our faculty members conduct cutting edge research into the lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors that influence both cancer incidence and survival.  Departmental research is conducted both in the U.S. and abroad (e.g., China, Sweden, Iceland) across a broad array of malignancies including breast, colorectal, lung, nasopharyngeal, and prostate cancers.  Much of this work is multidisciplinary, conducted with colleagues in biostatistics, molecular pathology, cancer biology, and immunology.  Our data resources, most notably large prospective cohort* and case-control studies**, along with collaborations at other Harvard Medical Area institutions (e.g., Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center) provide superb research opportunities for students.  Cumulatively, these resources and opportunities result in an exceptionally rich and vibrant academic environment.  Past graduates of our program serve as leaders in academia, government and industry throughout the world.

Funding for the doctoral program and postdoctoral fellowships may be available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents through several National Institute of Health (NIH) training grants.  A number of competitive awards and scholarships are available to support programs for international students.

 

* Prospective cohort studies include: NHS, NHSII, HPFS, GUTS, PHS, WHS, Pooling Project

** Case-control studies: DF/HCC Lung Cancer Program, Gynecologic Cancer Program, Gene-Environment-EBV Interactions in the Etiology of  Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC)