Cancer Prevention & Control Research Program

The Cancer Prevention & Control Research Program at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center aims to foster population-based research that will lead to a reduction in cancer morbidity and mortality in South Carolina while providing scientific evidence and novel cancer control interventions that can be applied beyond the state’s borders. The program consists of 40 population health and physician scientists in 11 departments within the Colleges of Medicine and Nursing at MUSC. The state’s high cancer incidence and mortality rates, influenced in part by health disparities and historically high smoking rates, have shaped Hollings Cancer Center’s mission, goals, and priorities.

This is most apparent in the research conducted within the program, which is focused on two predominant themes: tobacco control and cancer health disparities. The program has also achieved significant thematic growth in early detection and survivorship research.

Cancer Prevention & Control Research Program members work collaboratively to address these themes through three specific aims:

• Identification of Risk Factors: Quantify cancer risk and mortality, and identify etiological factors contributing to cancer risk and poor outcomes.
• Evidence-Based Interventions: Develop, evaluate and translate novel interventions that modify risk behaviors, reduce mortality, improve quality of life and enhance survivorship.
• Dissemination & Implementation: Advance the delivery, uptake and adherence of cancer prevention and early detection interventions at the individual, community, systems and national levels.

Program Co-Leaders

 

Matthew J. Carpenter, Ph.D.

Professor of Psychiatry
& Behavioral Sciences
College of Medicine

Academic Focus: tobacco control, smoking cessation, nicotine dependence, cancer prevention & control, behavioral medicine

 

Ashish Deshmukh, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Public 
Health Sciences
College of Medicine

Academic Focus: cancer prevention & control, epidemiology, decision science, health economics, human papillomavirus (HPV), anal cancer, cervical cancer, oropharyngeal cancer

Health Disparities 

Hollings researchers see addressing health disparities as a key mission. Dedicated to serving the needs of everyone in the state, including in our rural and medically underserved areas, they are at the forefront of finding better ways to care for these populations.

See how our researchers are changing the standard of care for these populations.