A key part of Public Health Sciences research is the population at large — we can’t overstate the importance of volunteers to our research. We use the cancer registry to learn about the incidence of cancer, work with regional organizations to increase fruit and vegetable intake, and bring participants in for exercise or nutrition studies.
We focus on prevention strategies that directly impact the population. Our scientists explore the link between hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer, find new ways of reaching communities to increase cancer screening and other healthy behaviors, offer mobile apps to help people quit smoking, and bring the issue of health disparities to the forefront of research.
Public Health Sciences research is conducted through partnerships across five programs: Biostatistics, Cancer Prevention, Computational Biology, Epidemiology, and Translational Research.
Research technician, Sushma Thomas working in Molecular Epidemiology Lab
Dr. Kevin Cheung at the Northwest Metastatic Breast Cancer Conference
Dr. Jonathan Bricker talks with a web developer as they review the WebQuit website build
Research technician, Sushma Thomas working in Molecular Epidemiology Lab
Dr. Kevin Cheung at the Northwest Metastatic Breast Cancer Conference
Dr. Jonathan Bricker talks with a web developer as they review the WebQuit website build
Biostatistics Program
The Fred Hutch Biostatistics Program is known internationally for strong methodologic contributions and collaborative work. We provide statistical support for research programs at the Hutch, as well as the organizations we partner with.
Our scientists develop and evaluate new quantitative methods to design and analyze a broad range of biomedical studies. We also construct biomathematical models of carcinogenesis and other biological processes.
Through collaborative efforts, we’ve developed some of the most impactful statistics methods, including the standards for study designs used in biomarker research, methods to accommodate measurement error in nutrition studies, and several advancements for genome-wide association and sequencing studies.
Comprehensive Center for the Advancement of Scientific Strategies (COMPASS)
COMPASS researchers manage several large-scale research networks and studies, including the Early Detection Research Network (EDRN), Population-based Research to Optimize the Screening Process (PROSPR), Transdisciplinary Research on Energetics and Cancer (TREC), New-Onset Diabetes (NOD) cohort, and Translational Liver Cancer (TLC) Consortium, and have been involved in numerous smaller collaborations.
Fred Hutch Investigators in Novel Diagnostics for Cancer (FHIND Cancer)
The FHIND Cancer Research Group brings together investigators at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center working in radiology, nuclear medicine, molecular and cell biology, biomarker science, pathology, molecular epidemiology, and data science to advance the discovery, validation, and clinical utility assessment of diagnostic technologies in order to realize the promise of precision oncology.
Cancer Prevention Program
Cancer Prevention is a diverse program in Public Health Sciences, with expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, nutrition, physical activity, genomics, behavioral science, health economics, health disparities, health communications, primary care and oncology. We evaluate the causes, detection and control of cancer in laboratory, clinic and community-based studies.
Office of Community Outreach & Engagement (OCOE)
The OCOE is a partnership between Fred Hutch, UW, Seattle Children's Hospital, and SCCA. We research health disparities among communities, with the goal of reducing overall mortality rates.
Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities (GMaP)
GMaP is a research and training network designed to foster collaboration among cancer health disparities researchers, trainees, outreach workers, and organizations.
Partnership for the Advancement of Cancer Research (PACR)
We’ve partnered with NMSU to recruit scientists from underrepresented communities into cancer research to expand our knowledge of and address issues with cancer health disparities.
Menopause Strategies: Finding Lasting Answers for Symptoms and Health Trials (MsFLASH)
We seek treatments for the most common, bothersome symptoms of menopause to improve the quality of life and health for women as they age.
Women’s Health Initiative (WHI)
The WHI is a major, long-term research program designed to address cardiovascular disease, cancer and osteoporosis — the most frequent causes of death, disability and poor quality of life in postmenopausal women.
Computational Biology Program
Our program addresses biological questions with computational methods and tools. Using a wide range of bioinformatic and computational approaches, we can identify and explore new areas of research in biotechnologies, especially those based on genome-scale and other molecular tests.
Epidemiology Program
In Epidemiology, we explore cancer risk factors based on lifestyle, environment, genetics, biomarkers and infectious agents. Our studies include personal exposures, behavioral characteristics, and genes that may influence a person’s chances of developing breast, prostate, esophageal, and HPV-related cancers.
Breast Cancer Initiative 2.5 (BCI2.5)
We’re a global breast cancer community united to make breast health a priority and reduce disparities in breast cancer outcomes worldwide.
Breast Health Global Initiative (BHGI)
The BHGI develops evidence-based, economically feasible, and culturally appropriate guidelines for low- and middle-income countries. We aim to improve access to breast cancer screening, detection and treatment.
Cancer Epidemiology Research Cooperative (CERC)
The CERC is a research unit of epidemiologists, support staff, statisticians, IT, interviewers, and data technicians. We study the causes, prevention and survival factors of cancer, as well as how it affects quality of life.
Cancer Surveillance System (CSS)
We provide high quality data on the incidence, treatment, and follow-up on newly-diagnosed cancers occurring in 13 Washington State counties.
Translational Research Program
We conduct molecular and epidemiological research, then translate our findings for broad application from bench to bedside. In the lab, we advance our understanding of the biological basis for various exposure/disease relationships. In the clinic, our research informs risk assessment, early disease detection, prognostication, treatment decision making and survivorship.