The Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG) is an intramural research program of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH) that conducts population and multidisciplinary research to discover the genetic and environmental determinants of cancer and new approaches to cancer prevention. Through its programs in cancer epidemiology, genetics, statistics, and related areas, the Division:

1. Conducts broad-based, high quality, high impact research;
2. Maintains a national and international perspective, giving priority to emergent issues identified through clinical, laboratory, and epidemiologic observations, as well as to public health concerns identified by the Institute, Congress, regulatory agencies, and other appropriate bodies;
3. Develops infrastructures, resources, and strategic partnerships in molecular epidemiology across NCI, NIH, and the extramural community; and
4. Trains the next generation of scientists in cancer epidemiology and related fields.

Organization Chart (pdf, 18kb)

Major areas of investigation include:

• Lifestyle factors
• Environmental and occupational exposures
• Genetic susceptibility and gene-environment interactions
• Pharmacoepidemiology
• Infectious agents
• Radiation exposures
• Methodologic research.

DCEG is uniquely able to conduct epidemiology research projects that:

• Are high risk,
• Need long-term commitments of funding and scientific staff,
• Require a national programmatic approach,
• Need a quick response to emerging public health or scientific issues,
• Might go unattended by groups without our national and international reach, or
• Require an interdisciplinary approach that is fostered by the breadth and interactive potential of the intramural research program of NCI and NIH.