Approved Research

Genetic, metabolic, and environmental risk factors for cancer and other complex traits across diverse populations

Lay summary

Most leading causes of death, such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes, are complex traits that are influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Severe health disparities exist for many of these traits, with individuals of African ancestry typically having a higher burden of disease than other populations. In this study, we aim to better understand genetic, metabolic, and environmental risk factors underlying cancers and other complex diseases within and across diverse populations. Having a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms that impact disease risk could lead to improved preventive, screening, and/or treatment procedures and could potentially mitigate health disparities.