Cancer Epidemiology
The overarching aim of the Cancer Epidemiology Research Group is ‘to undertake research of clinical and public health relevance aimed at preventing cancer development and progression’. In addition to our core research in cancer epidemiology, we have several specialist research strengths:
- Early Diagnosis and Detection
- Premalignant conditions and Cancer Registration
- Global health research in cancer
- Applied statistical methods
The group is closely is closely allied to the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR). Researchers from the Cancer Epidemiology Research Group collaborate closely with colleagues in other centres, research and focus groups within Queen’s University Belfast, particularly the Health Services Research Group (CPH), and The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research.
We also work within a multi-disciplinary network of national and international collaborators and have particularly strong links with researchers at the International Agency for Research on Cancer, National Cancer Institute, USA, the MRC Cancer Unit, Cambridge, and Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, USA.
The group has an outstanding record of early-career mentorship, hosting several Cancer Research UK Population Research Postdoctoral Fellowship awardees. We have an excellent record of supervising MPhil, MD and PhD students (including Clinical fellows) to completion of their higher degrees. Our group includes approximately 15-20 postdoctoral fellows and postgraduate research students representing diverse backgrounds and nationalities. We hold a PhD-student led group meeting weekly throughout the academic year, providing a vibrant and supportive environment in which to train in cancer epidemiology research.
The Cancer Epidemiology Research Group was founded by the late Professor Liam Murray. The Professor Liam Murray Cancer Epidemiology Symposium is held annually to showcase the continuing legacy of research in Cancer Epidemiology at Queen’s University Belfast.
Academic staff members of the Cancer Epidemiology Research Group
Professor Helen Coleman
Cancer Epidemiology Research Group Lead
Current academic staff members and Queen's University Vice Chancellor's Fellows with links to their specific research interests:
Academic Staff
Professor Helen Coleman (Group Lead)
Professor Anna Gavin (Director of the NI Cancer Registry)
Dr Blánaid Hicks (VC Fellow)
Dr Andrew Kunzmann (VC Fellow)
Dr Úna McMenamin (UKRI Fellow)
Postdoctoral Research Fellows:
Dr Desiree Schliemann (HSR)
Students
Yasemin Adali - Principal Supervisor - Professor Helen Coleman
PhD Title: Lifestyle factors, medications and colon cancer survival stratified by CRIS classification: a molecular cancer epidemiology approach’
Ashleigh Hamilton - Principal Supervisor - Professor Helen Coleman
PhD Title: Understanding risk factors, treatment choices and survival rates for the rising number of young-onset colorectal cancer patients
Niamh McGuckin - Principal Supervisor: Dr Blánaid Hicks
PhD Title: Medications Used for the Treatment of Prostate Enlargement and Cancer Risk
Andrew McGuigan - Principal Supervisor
PhD Title:
Lauren McVicker - Principal Supervisor: Dr Úna McMenamin
PhD Title: An investigation of the impact of hormonal exposures in breast cancer patients.
Stephen Quinn - Principal Supervisor: Dr Charlene McShane
PhD Title: Investigating the significance of haematological malignancy precursors with a particular focus on multiple myeloma
Ralph Santos - Principal Supervisor: Dr Andrew Kunzmann
PhD Title: Early detection of pancreatic cancer using clinical risk factors and serum biomarkers
Tom Toner - Principal Supervisor
PhD Title:
Ngan Tran - Principal Supervisor: Professor Ciaran O'Neill
PhD Title: An Evaluation of the implementation, impact and costs of community-based breast cancer screening and early detection in the context of the Vietnam's health system