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Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network

Modeling to guide public health research and priorities

About CISNET

The Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET) is a consortium of NCI-sponsored investigators that includes modeling to improve our understanding of the impact of cancer control interventions (e.g., prevention, screening, and treatment) on population trends in incidence and mortality. These models can be used to project future trends and aid in the development of optimal cancer control strategies. Established in 2000 by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), CISNET's projects comprise four cancer sites: breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate.

One strength of having a consortium of modelers is the ability to employ a comparative modeling approach. While each modeler has areas of individual focus, whenever possible, a common "base" question is developed that allows for comparison across models. In these common "base" case collaborations, a set of common population inputs is used across all models (e.g., dissemination patterns of screening and treatment, mortality from non-cancer causes), and a common set of intermediate and final outputs is developed to help understand differences and similarities across models.

CISNET is committed to bringing the most sophisticated evidence-based planning tools to the areas of population health and public policy. CISNET's modeling efforts:

CISNET invites inquiries from outside groups regarding collaborations on cancer control issues amenable to modeling (see Contact Us).