The primary focus of epidemiology is to obtain a better understanding of diseases at the population level. My research includes obtaining a better understanding of methods used in epidemiology as well as studying how environmental exposures, of in conjunction with genetic factors, related to the development of cancer. We are currently doing this in the form of case-control studies and clinical trials. Much of my current research focuses on dietary factors as they relate to cancer, physical activity and cancer, and body size and cancer. Genetic factors of primary interest at the population level are common variations of genes in the population and thought to work in conjunction with environmental factors to alter risk of cancer. Although past studies have included studies of cervical cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and bladder cancer, my current research efforts are focusing on colorectal and breast cancer.
Currently we are involved in examining associations between diet, physical activity, body size reproductive factors, and family history and colorectal. These factors are being evaluated as they inter-relate to each other and as they interact with genetic factors. Genetic factors currently being examined are polymorphisms of the APC gene, polymorphisms of NAT2, GST mu, cytochrome p450, and MTHFR. In addition to looking at polymorphisms of these genes, I am studying acquired mutations in colon cancer tumors. Mutations of p53, k-ras, and microsatellite instability are being examined.
Because of the complexity of the studies being conducted, collaboration with investigators at the University of Utah and throughout the country is essential. Much of the genetic work is done in conjunction with the laboratory of Dr. Mark Leppert in the Department of Human Genetics and with Dr. Wade Samowitz in the Department of Surgical Pathology. Collaborations with the University of Minnesota, the Division of Research at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, the University of Arizona, the University of New Mexico, the University of Colorado, the University of Pittsburgh, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have been established.
Publications: 1995 through 1997
1. Slattery ML, Edwards S, Caan B. Kerber RA, Potter JD. (1995) Response rates among controlsubjects in case control studies. Annals of Epidemiol 5(3):245-249
2. Slattery ML, Mineau GP, Kerber RA. (1995) Reproductive factors and colon cancer. The influences of age, tumor site, and family history on risk. Cancer Causes and Control 6:332-333
3. Slattery ML, O'Brien L, Mori M. (1995) Disease Heterogeneity: Does it impact our ability to detect dietary associations with breast cancer ? (A Hypothesis). Nutrition & Cancer . 24(3):213-220
4. Slattery ML, Friedman GD, Potter JD, Edwards S, Caan BJ, Samowitz W. (1996) A description of age, sex, and site distributions of colon carcinoma in three geographic areas. Cancer 78:1666-1670
5. Slattery ML, Edwards SL, Ma KN, Friedman GF, Potter JD. (1997) Physical activity and colon cancer: A public heatlh perspective. Annals of Epidemiol 7:137-145
6. Slattery ML, Caan BJ, Potter JD, Berry TD, Coates A, Duncan D, Edwards SL. (1997) Dietary enegy sources and colon cancer risk. Am J Epidemiol 145(3):199-210
7. Slattery ML, Friedman GF, Potter JD, Edwards S, Ma KN. (1997) Tobacco use and colon cancer. Int J Cancer,. 70:259-264.
8. Slattery ML, Potter JD, Caan BJ, Edwards SL, Coates A, Berry DT, Mori M. (1997) Energy balance and colon cancer -- beyond physical activity. Cancer Research. 57:75-80
9. Slattery ML, Potter JD, Coates A, Ma K, Duncan DM, Berry TD, Caan BJ. (1997) Plant foods and colon cancer: an assessment of specific foods and their related nutrients. Cancer Causes and Control 8:575-590
10. Slattery ML, Schaffer D, Edwards SL, Ma K-N, Potter JD.(1997) Are dietary factors involved in DNA methylation associated with colon cancer? Nutr Cancer 28(1):52-62
Figure goes here.