Research Projects – BCGP Research

BCGP Research > Research Projects

2025 Approved Research Projects

Abstract:

2024 Approved Research Projects

Abstract:
Currently, little is known about the contribution of viral exposures in the development of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Previous viral testing has been limited by testing only a handful of different viruses. Using the BC Generations Project (BCGP), which is part of the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health (CanPath), we plan to examine plasma samples from both healthy participants and participants with ME/CFS. CanPath is a population-based prospective cohort of over 300,000 Canadian residents aged 30-74 years at recruitment; ~30,000 who are part of the BCGP in British Columbia. We will be able to test the plasma samples of healthy individuals and individuals who indicated they have ME/CFS against 206 known viruses. This will allow us to examine whether exposure to viral infections is associated with the development of ME/CFS.

Learnings from this work will enable the same testing in the future for the whole of Canada. As well, it will provide further scientific support of the role of specific viruses in the development of ME/CFS.

This work will be done through BCGP and will last for one year. To our knowledge, BCGP has viable plasma samples for both baseline and follow-up timepoints for eight participants. Samples of the 8 x 2 (n = 8 baseline; n = 8 follow-up; total n = 16) individuals will be transferred

to the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) Public Health Laboratory. We are requesting these specimens as it will help us understand the causes of the disease and whether specific viruses are associated with its development. We will analyze the plasma samples and compare viral exposures among participants with and without ME/CFS. Piloting of this study will inform the development of a potential larger study across Canada.

Abstract:
Lymphocytosis, defined as an increase in absolute lymphocytes in the peripheral circulation greater than 4,000 lymphocytes per microliter, is a common hematologic abnormality. Causes of lymphocytosis can generally be classified as benign or malignant. Benign causes include normal physiologic responses to various environmentally derived immune stimuli while malignant causes include leukemia/lymphoma. Notably, patients with leukemia/lymphoma presumably also may have contributing or compensatory changes in their normal, non-malignant lymphocyte immune populations. We hypothesize that patients with leukemia/lymphoma will have stereotyped alterations in their normal immune cell populations which are reflective of contributing or compensatory responses that could have bearing on their clinical course. Interpretation of these immune states however, is complicated by the fact that samples submitted for analysis typically arise in the context of a patient under evaluation for an abnormal lymphocytosis. To assess how the normal immune cell populations in these patients do or do not differ from normal, healthy individuals we would need access to cryopreserved peripheral blood samples from normal, healthy blood donors. The goal of this study is thus to evaluate peripheral blood immune cells from normal, healthy donors to provide a basis for comparison of data already accumulated from patient samples submitted for evaluation of lymphocytosis.

So our plan in brief would be to run a few to several hundred peripheral blood samples from BCGP through our clinical flow assay (and potentially up to 1,000 depending on the variances observed). They would serve as normal controls for our clinical data set, and could potentially support other BCGP projects where information on peripheral blood lymphocyte populations may be of use.

Abstract:
While PFOA and PFOS chemicals have been found to be carcinogenic, little is known on the carcinogenicity of PFAS, namely short-chain per- and polyfluorinates substances. These PFAS are very persistent, meaning that they stay in the environment for a long time, and are potentially toxic. PFOAs and PFOSs have been classified as possible human carcinogens, so it’s reasonable to suspect PFAS have carcinogenic characteristics though there currently is not enough research available to address this possibility.

Sophisticated data analysis approaches will explore the impact of exposures to persistent organic pollutants over time on metabolomic (metabolites) and epigenomic (genetic) data. This analysis is intended to reveal carcinogenic mechanisms underlying the effects of these exposures.

This analysis will be conducted in a subset of 400 participants in the BC Generations Project (BCGP). We have already generated metabolomics data from blood samples collected, on average, ten years apart for these participants. We propose to generate genome-wide DNA methylation data for these participants at each time point as well as data on persistent organic pollutant exposure, as measured in blood, at both time points. This will allow us to see changes in our participants over time.

Abstract:
Breast cancer is a significant public health concern in Canada and presents major challenges to the health care system. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and the majority of cases are diagnosed in women over the age of 50. Some studies indicate a potential association between breast cancer and environmental exposures to chemicals such as metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons but evidence is still equivocal. There is also an increasing acknowledgement in the scientific community of the need for studies on exposure to multiple chemicals which better reflect real-life exposures. To date, there is no Canadian study that has evaluated the relationship between the exposure to multiple chemicals and postmenopausal breast cancer. In support of the Environmental Population Health Approach under the Chemicals Management Plan, we aim to determine if the exposure to multiple chemicals are associated with post-menopausal BC.

A case-control study (400 cases; 1,600 controls) will be nested in the British Columbia Generation Project (BCGP); an ongoing prospective cohort of nearly 30,000 participants aged 35-69 at the time of enrolment. At baseline, participants completed questionnaires and provided urine samples. Urine will be analyzed for 11 selected metals. The Environment Climate Change Canada (ECCC) Global Environmental Multiscale model – Modelling Air quality and Chemistry (GEM-MACH-PAH) chemical transport model will be used to simulate ambient concentrations to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Quantile G-computation, Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) will estimate the joint association between exposure to multiple chemicals and post-menopausal BC. Results will potentially assist in the development of additional effective risk management actions.

Abstract:
Oral cancer is an important global health problem. The disease has a high mortality rate mainly due to the advanced stage at which it is diagnosed. Oral cancer screening can be effective in diagnosing oral cancer at an early stage. An Indian study found a 32% reduction in mortality among ~170,000 high-risk individuals screened for oral cancer. In Canada, oral cancer is diagnosed in 8900 people annually with more than half diagnosed at a late stage. Risk factors include increasing age, tobacco, pan and alcohol use. Oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, and non-invasive exam of the head and neck and oral cavity that is generally provided opportunistically at dental offices. However, 17% of Canadians do not access regular dental care due to cost. There is an important inequity in oral health care, people without access to regular dental care are often in the greatest need. People unable to access oral healthcare due to cost do not have the option to receive opportunistic oral cancer screening. New immigrants may face similar challenges due to limited income, lack of dental insurance, and barriers to accessing dental care.

The purpose of this project is to assess the awareness of oral cancer and oral cancer screening in British Columbians, focusing on people over the age of 50 years. Using data collected by the BC Generations Project, this study will look at factors such as age, gender, location, and risk habits and if they are related to screening being performed. This information will help tailor oral cancer screening events in the community and educational resources for dental professionals.

2023 Approved Research Projects

Abstract:
The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that 28,600 new breast cancer (BC) cases will be diagnosed in Canada in 2022, which accounts for 25% of all new cancer cases in women. While people cannot control many of the factors contributing to cancer (eg, genetics), they can potentially control many Health and Life Style (HLS) factors — such as exercise, weight, alcohol consumption, etc — which collectively are believed to contribute significantly. By modifying these factors, women might be able to delay, or even prevent, the onset of BC. To understand risk factors and indicators for onset of breast cancer, Machine Learning “survival prediction” tools will be used to learn, from ATP and BCGP data of women (both healthy women and those with breast cancer (BC)), and to predict the “time to breast cancer onset” for a woman who is currently BC-free. Many of the existing prediction models, such as the Gail model, include mostly non-modifiable risk factors. Therefore, this project aims to develop a new personalized prediction model for breast cancer that can provide an understanding of the impact of modifiable risk factors on the onset of breast cancer. The magnitude of the impact can be shown as modifiable risk factors are increased, reduced or eliminated from a person’s lifestyle.

Abstract:

Exposure to light-at-night (LAN) suppresses the secretion of melatonin, a hormone that has multiple anti-cancer properties. Globally, individuals are exposed to an increased amount of electric light pollution from installation of outdoor lighting. Multiple epidemiologic studies have evaluated exposure to LAN and its association with cancer risk, particularly breast cancer. The bulk of studies have focused on light intensity as measured via satellite estimate LAN exposures. Evidence from these studies has been mixed, which may be attributable to a lack of data on exposures to specific wavelengths of light; satellite data only provide overall intensity of exposure. We know that melatonin suppression by LAN is wavelength dependent, with blue light (wavelengths 380-500nm) being most efficient at suppressing melatonin. Using images of cities captured from the International Space Station, we propose to investigate the association of measures of outdoor LAN that account for wavelength of light, with risks of breast, prostate, and colorectal in the BC Generations Project and Alberta’s Tomorrow Project.

Abstract:

Abstract:
Eating a healthy diet is important for stopping cancer before it starts. Currently, diet recommendations are one-size fits all – eat lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, limit foods high in fat and sugar, and avoid red and processed meat. These recommendations have not been effective because they do not resonate with individuals and do not consider individual differences in response to foods that are driven by differences in our biology. Nutrition-related complementary and alternative medicine practices that consider these differences would pave the way for highly-effective individualized dietary recommendations, but high quality data from large numbers of people are needed. From 2022-2023 men and women in the BCGP were asked (or will be asked) what they eat, and to give a blood and stool sample. In this study we will capture detailed biological measures from the blood and stool samples in 800 of these people to greatly improve our understanding of differences in the biologic responses to what people eat and how these differences contribute to the occurrence of cancer. The findings from this study are a critical first step towards personalizing diets to improve the health of Canadians.

Abstract:
One of the enduring challenges to understanding Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is identifying why seemingly similar neuropathologies are associated with vastly different cognitive symptoms and progression trajectories. While research has identified genetic and modifiable risk factors that may provide resilience to progressive neuropathological and neurodegenerative changes, we do not yet have a way to use this information at the level of the individual to prescribe mitigation strategies.

This study will partner with the British Columbia Generations Project (BCGP) to recruit participants and examine factors that affect brain health and risk of dementia. The BCGP follows ~30,000 British Columbians to help researchers understand how lifestyle, genetics, and environment contribute to chronic disease. By integrating existing lifestyle and health information with newly collected information on 1,300 BCGP participants of the lower mainland in BC from neuroimaging, cognitive tests, and sleep assessments, we will create personalized brain simulations to fully understand what makes some individuals resilient to Alzheimer’s disease. This knowledge will be instrumental to developing interventions that reduce the risk of dementia.

After recruited BCGP participants complete the activities of the Brain Resilience Study, background information and DNA samples already provided to the BCGP by these participants will be linked in order to get a better understanding of these participants genetics, health and lifestyles in relation to their brain health.

Abstract:
Alcohol and cigarette use are both associated with the development of many health conditions, including cancer and heart disease. While research on cannabis and e-cigarette use and health is limited, largely due to their novel legal status in Canada, use of these substances has been described as an emerging risk factor for adverse health conditions. Studies outside of Canada have identified that an individual’s neighbourhood environment can influence health and behaviours, including substance use. Research has also seen that individual factors, such as stress and sleep, are associated with use of substances such as alcohol and tobacco. However, there is a lack of research on how neighbourhood-level and individual factors are associated with substance use in Canada. Our study aims to enhance our understanding of risk factors for the use of alcohol, cigarettes, cannabis, and e-cigarettes in Canada which is uniquely possible due to the detailed neighbourhood-level and individual data captured in BCGP.

We plan to study how living in an economically disadvantaged, socially disadvantaged, or gentrifying neighbourhood is associated with substance use. For cigarette and e-cigarette use, we will study how proximity to convenience stores is associated with use. We will also examine differences in substance use between urban- and rural-living. On an individual-level, we plan to study how stress, feeling depressed, and sleep quality are associated with substance use. To complete these objectives, we will leverage data from the first follow-up questionnaire to build models that will allow us to examine how the fore-mentioned factors are associated with alcohol, cigarette, cannabis, and e-cigarette use.

This study will allow identification of potential risk factors for substance use that have not yet been studied in a Canadian-context and generate findings relevant to a large number of British Columbians. These findings may help inform prevention, resource planning, and policy efforts around substance use in Canada, with ultimate implications for the prevention of many health conditions.

Abstract:
Many Canadians eat diets that are low quality; with too few nutrient rich foods (e.g. fruits, vegetables and whole grains) and too much of foods and nutrients that should be consumed in moderation (e.g. saturated fat, sugar and salt). However, what people eat, is often beyond an individuals’ control. Rather, dietary intake is shaped by income, social status, employment, education, and the neighbourhood environment where people live, work and play. Understanding the links between environment in which people live and dietary intake is important to identify opportunities for interventions to improve dietary intake, but few studies have been conducted, and most have studied a limited number of Canadian cities. In this study, we will use already collected dietary intake information from men and women in the BC Generations Project. Measures of the neighbourhood environment were measured using postal-code information and geographic mapping. The types of food outlets in the neighbourhood such as fast food outlets and grocery stores have been measured and can be linked to the BCGP study. Our team of researchers will explore whether the intake of fruits and vegetables is different in neighbourhoods that have less access to healthy foods, greater access to less healthy foods like fast food outlets, are less walkable, and have less material resources. We expect that our findings will help identify new ways to support Canadians to make healthy dietary choices that will positively impact their health.

2022 Approved Research Projects

Abstract:
This study will obtain tumour pathology samples for 50 participants of the BC Generations Project that were diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The samples will be used to create tumour microarrays to measure the expression of two biomarkers of colorectal cancer prognosis, SPARC and VEGF. The study will then determine if lifestyle factors, assessed before cancer diagnosis, are associated with the expression level of these biomarkers. Various lifestyle factors have been associated with CRC prognosis. The underlying mechanism by which these factors influence prognosis in CRC patients remains uncertain.

We aim to examine the impact of lifestyle factors, including BMI, diet physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption on the expression of SPARC and VEGF in colorectal cancer (CRC) using a longitudinal study design. The BC Generations Project has established a Virtual Tumour Tissue Biorepository that has extracted data from pathology reports for incident cancer cases among BCGP participants. These data are used to identify tumour samples at pathology laboratories around BC, which are accessible for research. For each person with cancer who had a tumour sample stored, the expression H-scores of SPARC and VEGF in these samples will be assessed. Given a small samples size of just 50 cases, this exploratory pilot study is meant to support future larger-scale investigations.

Abstract:
Current breast cancer risk prediction models are not well-suited for targeting of cancer prevention interventions While biomarkers can help increase model accuracy, the biomarkers evaluated thus far, including genetic markers, have contributed only minor improvements. As such, these models remain insufficient for the effective targeting of resource-intensive interventions for breast cancer prevention.

Metabolomics, the study of metabolites that are detected in your blood or other bodily fluid or tissue, offers a promising approach to identify markers that predict breast cancer risk. Our goal is to identify women that are at the highest risk of developing breast cancer to support targeted delivery of interventions, such as those aimed at weight loss and reduction of alcohol consumption. To achieve this goal, we are conducting a study of 600 BC cases and 600 controls nested within the British Columbia Generations Project (BCGP) and Alberta’s Tomorrow Project (ATP), which are regional population-based cohorts of the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health (CanPath).

Abstract:
Modifying aspects of the built environment may be an effective strategy for population-level improvements to sleep. However, few comprehensive evaluations of built environment and sleep have been completed.

We conducted a cross-sectional study among participants of the British Columbia Generations Project (BCGP) who self-reported sleep duration (n = 28,385). Geospatial measures of light-at-night (LAN), greenness, air pollution (PM_2.5, NO₂, SO₂), and road proximity were linked to participant baseline residential postal codes. Logistic regression models, adjusted for age and sex, were used to estimate the association between these factors and self-reported sleep duration (<7 vs. ≥7 hours).

Interquartile range (IQR) increases in LAN intensity, greenness, and SO₂ were associated with 1.04-fold increased (95% CI = 1.02, 1.07), 0.95-fold decreased (95% CI = 0.91, 0.98), and 1.07-fold increased (95% CI = 1.03, 1.11) odds, respectively, of reporting insufficient sleep (i.e., <7 hours per night). Living <100 m from a main roadway was associated with a 1.09-fold greater odds of insufficient sleep (95% CI = 1.02, 1.17). Results were unchanged when examining all factors together within a single regression model. In stratified analyses, associations with SO₂ were stronger among those with lower reported annual household incomes and those living in more urban areas.

BCGP’s rich data enabled a comprehensive evaluation of the built environment, revealing multiple factors as potentially modifiable determinants of sleep disruption. In addition to longitudinal evaluations, future studies should pay careful attention to the role of social disparities in sleep health.

Abstract:
Many Canadians eat diets that are low quality; with too few nutrient rich foods (e.g. fruits, vegetables and whole grains) and too much of foods and nutrients that should be consumed in moderation (e.g. saturated fat, sugar and salt). However, what people eat, is often beyond an individuals’ control. Individuals do not simply choose whether or not to eat a healthy diet. Rather, dietary intake is shaped by income, social status, employment, education, and the physical environment where people live, work and play. Understanding the links between the social and physical environments and dietary intake is important to identify opportunities for interventions to improve dietary intake, but few studies have been done in a limited number of Canadian cities. In this study, we will use already collected dietary intake information from a large study of Canadians in the CanPath cohort who live in cities in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Measures of the social and built environment were measured using postal-code information and geographic mapping. Our team of researchers and government decision makers will explore whether the quality of diets are different in neighbourhoods that have less resources, are less walkable, less green and more dense. We expect that our findings will help identify new ways to support Canadians to make healthy dietary choices that will positively impact their health.

Abstract:

Abstract:
Despite improvements in treatment, cancer remains the leading cause of death in Canada with breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers contributing most to the public health burden. Interventions geared towards cancer prevention, particularly those that do not rely on individual behavior change (i.e., modifications to the built environment), would significantly reduce the burden of cancer. The built environment encompasses human-made structures and facilities that can affect ambient exposures and individual-level behaviors such as physical activity, diet, sleep patterns, and other factors that have been linked to cancer. However, the impact of the built environment on cancer risk remains poorly understood.

There may be unknown pathways through which built-environment factors, such as urban greenness, influence cancer risk. In addition to the traditional epidemiological evaluation of these relationships, examining the associations between built-environment factors and biomarkers may help elucidate these pathways. Metabolites are small molecule compounds closely related to disease phenotypes and are routinely used for diagnosis, studying disease processes, and discovering disease pathways, including those related to cancer. Since metabolites are composites of environmental exposures and multiple cellular processes, metabolomics is well-suited to improve our understanding of the process by which complex factors, such as the various components of the built environment, influence cancer risk.

The proposed study aims to evaluate associations of residential greenness, ambient light at night, walkability, and air pollution factors (PM_2.5 and NO₂) with the risks of breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers by integrating data from the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health (CanPath), the Canadian Urban Environmental Health Research Consortium (CANUE), and the Where Matters: Health & Economic Benefits Study. In addition, to improve our understanding of how the environment influences health, the study will use previously generated metabolomics data from a subset of the British Columbia Generations Project, which is a regional cohort within CanPath, to uncover metabolites associated with the built environment, and by extension, cancer risk.

2021 Approved Research Projects

Abstract:
Blood stem cells create all the cells in the circulating blood system, and are also able to generate new stem cells. As an individual gets older, their blood stem cells do not replenish themselves as well. The stem cells also tend to become more of the myeloid type of white blood cell while not producing as many lymphoid immune cells. This combination leads to more inflammation and inflammation-related diseases and less ability to fight infections. microRNAs are small molecules that regulate the function of genes. A single microRNA can regulate the

function of many genes. We have found that one of these microRNAs, called miR-146a, decreases with age. Loss of this miR-146a results in blood stem cells that do not function as well and resemble the aging stem cell. In part this is because miR-146a regulates genes that drive inflammation. Loss of this microRNA results in continued low level inflammation that we predict results in aging. As many microRNAs regulate inflammation, and inflammation is an integral part of the aging process, we predict that a large-scale analysis of microRNA changes in aging blood stem cells will identify novel targets for improving blood stem cell health in aged individuals. In this project, we will examine how dysregulation of microRNAs affects blood stem cell aging with a focus on the inflammatory molecules. Using blood samples collected from younger (35-44 year-old) and older (65+ year-old) donors, we will isolate blood stem cells and use high-throughput sequencing technology to identify microRNAs associated with chronological age and molecular measures of aging (DNA methylation and transcriptome changes). Using paired plasma samples from the same donors, we will use multiplexed cytokine assays to investigate the relationship between these aging-associated microRNA changes and changes in inflammatory molecules. We will then determine whether we can reverse the poor function of old blood stem cells by replenishing microRNAs that are depleted in aging, or by inhibiting microRNAs that are upregulated in aging. Because the blood system produces many inflammation-related molecules, and because blood travels all over the body, it is likely that by reversing the aging of blood stem cells that we might also help to reduce the impact of aging on other systems such as the heart and brain.

Abstract:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in Canada, second only to lung cancer; it is also one of the deadliest cancers in the country. The number of Canadians diagnosed with CRC varies considerably by region, with BC having rates comparable to the national average while on the other coast Atlantic Canada has the highest rates of any region of Canada. Geography should not be a reason for these two coasts having such differing rates of this disease, and yet compared to Newfoundland & Labrador, BC has almost half the rate of new CRC cases. Investigating the unique factors that contribute to the alarming rate of CRC in Atlantic Canada and why it differs so much from BC can help us better understand this disease and reduce its overall impact on Canadians.

The goal of this proposed research is to examine and identify how environmental and genetic factors contribute to the different CRC rates in these two regions. Environmental factors (e.g. lifestyle choices) play a major role CRC risk, but the rates of smoking in both Atlantic Canada and BC are higher than the national average. Although several risk factors for CRC, including obesity, are more prevalent in Atlantic Canada, genetics may play a large role in why these rates are occurring in Atlantic Canada. BC is more ethnically diverse than Atlantic Canada and given that family history is a major risk factor for CRC, the existence of an inheritable set of mutations unique to Atlantic Canadians, especially in genes that influence the carcinogenic effects of smoking, could explain the high rates of CRC within this region.

Identifying potential mutations associated with CRC will help us better understand this disease and better explain why CRC is so prevalent in this region. More importantly, these mutations can be used as DNA markers to help us identify individuals with a higher risk for CRC. Encouraging these individuals to participate more regularly in colon screening programs may allow us to identify the disease in its early stages, which could potentially save hundreds, if not thousands of lives.

Abstract:
Currently, Canada does not have a centralized hub of data for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Therefore researchers and public health professionals are unable to access accurate data on the health status of people with ME/CFS in the population. We plan to establish a provincial-wide population cohort (a group of research participants) through the BC Generations Project (BCGP), which is part of the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health (CanPath). CanPath is a population-based prospective cohort of over 300,000 Canadian residents aged 30-74 years at recruitment; ~30,000 who are part of the BCGP in British Columbia. We will be able to access data and samples from cases who said they have ME or CFS. Access to these data will serve as an important first step of creating a record of cases of ME/CFS across the province. This will allow us to find out how many people get ME/CFS, and how their “health” and lives are affected by the disease.

Learnings from this work will enable to do the same in the future for the whole of Canada, and in some cases we might be able to contact such cases to find out more about them and even to access and analyse samples of blood obtained from them in the past and which have been stored at very low temperatures in freezers, to do further studies. However, none of these are part of this request for data, which is limited to British Columbia and does not involve getting samples of blood from them.

This work will be done through the BC Generations Project database (BCGP) and will last for about one year. The BCGP will help us recruit participants for our study and provide us with data about their personal health and medical history, physical measurements, and genetics data. We are requesting these data as it will enable us to better understand how widespread the disease is and how it affects the health and physical status of those affected. Also, the data are helpful to document symptoms and the genetic profile of our participants, which will be important to better understand of the causes of disease. We will then group these data, exclude data that we do not need for our analysis, and statistically compare these variables in participants with and without ME/CFS to each other. The data will then become part of a Provincial data registry.

Abstract:
We propose to study the health impacts of the built and natural environment in the Vancouver metropolitan region. We aim to examine the links between the built and natural environments, activity patterns, physical health. Results from this study will show how changes to the built environment can potentially reduce economic burden of chronic disease and offer insights to policy makers on the impacts of their decisions to modify the built environment.

Abstract:
Many cancers can be prevented by people changing their behaviour. For example, by not smoking, getting plenty of exercise or by eating vegetables and fruit regularly. To help people reduce their chances of getting cancer lifestyle recommendations related to these behaviours have been created. These recommendations are called cancer prevention guidelines. We do following these guidelines does make our chances of getting cancer smaller. This study will identify some factors associated with whether people do or not follow cancer prevention guidelines. We will also identify if following these guidelines does affect the chances of people getting cancer. Our study will use the BC Generations cohort. People in this cohort provided information on many lifestyle factors, including exercise, smoking and food, and have been followed up so we know who has since developed cancer.

Abstract:
Household air pollution (HAP) attributed to wood use is a potential environmental risk factor for lung cancer, to which ~2.5 billion people worldwide (including >15 million in the US) are exposed. Known lung cancer risk factors (i.e., environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), outdoor air pollution (OAP), family history) do not fully account for the disease burden. To reach robust conclusions about biomass’s pulmonary carcinogenicity and the lung cancer deaths attributed to HAP while accounting for confounding exposures, prospective studies of individuals experiencing a variety of exposure levels of HAP, ETS, and other suspected lung carcinogens are needed. We will leverage our global consortium of prospective studies (HAPCO: Household Air Pollution Cohorts), which is a pooled resource of >550,000 subjects, to for the first time accurately quantify the relative risk of lung cancer mortality associated with wood use. Further, we will estimate time-dependent population-attributable fraction (PAF) function for lung cancer mortality, which will measure the potential reduction in lung cancer mortality if HAP is eliminated or reduced while adjusting for known and suspected lung carcinogens (i.e., ETS, OAP). Our robust harmonization of HAP data will also provide the unique opportunity to determine the relative and absolute risks associated with HAP exposures for cancers other than lung cancer, which was recently highlighted by an expert panel convened by multiple Federal Agencies.

Abstract:
This project will involve new sequencing technology for comparing blood samples from patients before and after pancreatic cancer diagnosis. This will allow us to examine the impact of pancreatic cancer on the epigenomes of immune cells. We will further examine large hereditary variants that traditional sequencing may not detect. Together with lifestyle and exposure data, these could provide new early detection markers for pancreatic cancer.

The mechanisms by which disease-conferring single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with cancer are not clear, but metabolomics may offer insights to these underlying mechanisms. The objective of this project is to identify metabolites associated with polygenic risk for breast cancer, in order to better understand the mechanistic underpinnings of genetic risk.

Using a cross-sectional study design, we conducted regression analysis to identify associations between genetic risk for breast cancer and 224 metabolites. For 143 female participants from the British Columbia Generations Project (BCGP), metabolomics data were generated using the Nightingale Health Ltd nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) platform, and Maddavat et al’s 2019 polygenic risk score for breast cancer was used to calculate genetic risk. This study finds that very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and triglycerides are positively associated with polygenic risk for breast cancer, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is negatively associated with polygenic risk for breast cancer. While future work is required to confirm these findings, this study presents a novel study design and biologically plausible findings that are in agreement with existing research into associations between lipoproteins and breast cancer risk. If confirmed, these lipoproteins could be targeted for lifestyle and pharmaceutical interventions among women of high genetic risk and would be valuable targets for future research into disease development.

The objective of this study was to assess the level of agreement between self-reported history of chronic disease and the CDR for BCGP participants and to explore the impact of various factors on levels of agreement. Results will help inform the comparability of differing sources of information to assess non-cancer chronic disease which is important for designing of epidemiologic studies and planning of follow-up activities. Though administrative health data is imperfect, it is likely less prone to bias than self-report and can be considered a reasonable gold standard. Results of our analyses, which are consistent with previous studies, suggest that, compared to administrative health data, self-report is a reasonable method for assessing history of certain chronic diseases or, at the very least, excluding the occurrence of certain chronic diseases. However, if researchers decide to rely on self-report to ascertain these conditions, they must carefully consider the potential impacts of characteristics of the study population on the quality of the data.

2020 Approved Research Projects

Abstract:
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Up to 50% of breast cancer cases are preventable, underscoring the importance of research into these risk factors, especially for post-menopausal women. Characteristics of the built environment relate directly to levels of air pollution, physical activity and obesity. Urban areas with increased motor vehicle pollution, such as NO₂, have also been linked to increased risk of breast cancer. Important health indicators, such as reduced physical activity and obesity, lead to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Walkability and access to green space play important roles in individual physical activity and ultimately obesity. Assessment of the impact that the built environment has on breast cancer risk is limited in the literature, this study will use a longitudinal cohort design to assess the relationship between breast cancer risk and factors associated with the built environment. This study will evaluate the impact of risk factors in the built environment on the development of breast cancer in post-menopausal women by taking advantage of the unique longitudinal British Columbia Generations Project (BCGP) cohort linked to geographic datasets from the Canadian Urban Environmental Health Research Consortium (CANUE). The study will summarize breast cancer incidence in the BCGP cohort in relation to factors of the built environment, including air pollution, walkability and green space, as well as assess how these environmental factors are associated with breast cancer risk in post-menopausal women.

Abstract:
Breast cancer counts for 1 in 4 cancer cases among women in Canada, and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Prevention and early detection are critical for reducing the burden of breast cancer on women and the healthcare system. Breast cancer risk assessment models calculate how likely a woman is to develop breast cancer and can be used to tailor prevention approaches and base decisions on breast cancer screening. However, existing models are not very accurate which limits widespread use in clinical care.

I aim to develop new accurate models that predict a woman’s risk of breast cancer including the most common subtypes of breast cancer using data from more than 1.5 million women in British Columbia. Data includes known and possible risk factors for breast cancer that are routinely collected in health records. Machine learning statistical methods will be used to identify the best combination of factors that predict who will and will not develop breast cancer.

This project will develop new, personalized, accurate models to identify women at increased risk of breast cancer. A long-term goal will be to share the models via tools that can be integrated into clinical care. Identifying at-risk women before breast cancer develops can empower women to make informed choices about their health.

2019 Approved Research Projects

Abstract:
Vitamin B₂ (Riboflavin) plays a crucial role in human development and health across the lifespan. Recently, evidence has emerged which indicates that it may also have a modulating effect on blood pressure.

In most countries, there is little or no knowledge about the vitamin B₂nutrition status of the population due to the lack of convenient blood indicators and assessment tools. Dietary records are the sole source of information for most countries; however, these do not reflect the biochemical status of the population, which is a better indicator of health effects.

In this international and multidisciplinary project, we aim to develop accessible blood indicators for vitamin B2 status assessment and identify which most sensitively reflect dietary intakes and food sources of vitamin B₂ in Irish from the Irish National Adult Nutrition Survey (NANS) and Canadian adults from the British Columbia Generation Project (BCGP).

We will also demonstrate an important health effect of vitamin B₂ by investigating its role in modulating blood pressure via a novel gene-nutrient interactive effect.

Abstract:
There is critical need for easily measurable factors in blood and urine that can detect the occurrence of bladder cancer years earlier than conventional methods. Earlier diagnoses would mean earlier, more successful treatments that would increase survival and quality of life for patients and potentially reduce rates of bladder cancer recurrence. Recurrence of bladder cancer is a major personal and economic burden, as patients must be regularly subjected to invasive cystoscopy procedures that carry risk of serious complications to monitor for return of the disease. Despite years of research, markers for early detection of bladder cancer have remained allusive. This can be attributed to two major factors: 1) A focus on biological factors that do not directly reflect cancer processes; and 2) A reliance on blood and urine samples that were collected from bladder cancer patients after they were diagnosed with disease. Naturally, studies relying on such post-diagnostic samples are better-suited to identifying markers of later stage disease, not early diagnosis. Through the BC Generations Project, a population based cohort study of 30,000 British Columbians, we have access to blood and urine samples that were collected from people an average of three years before they were diagnosed with bladder cancer. To these unique samples, we propose application of highly-sensitive state-of-the-art methods to identify metabolites directly linked to the early development of bladder cancer. The line of research that we propose in this application has tremendous potential to improve the lives of bladder cancer patients in Canada and around the world

Abstract:
Long term exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM_2.5) has been associated with an increased risk of developing lung cancer, and is estimated to be responsible for ~23% of global lung cancer deaths. No current lung cancer screening risk prediction model uses air pollution as an individual risk factor in its risk calculation. As smoking rates decrease globally, and air pollution increases, it is becoming important to study the association between air pollution exposure and lung cancer in never smokers and ever smokers with lung cancer. We propose to conduct a case-control study to examine the association between PM_2.5 exposure and lung cancer in men versus women as well as ever and never smokers. From the residential history, cumulative exposure to air pollutants as exemplified by PM_2.5 particles since 1996 when accurate outdoor air pollution data from satellites and ground measurements become available, individual exposure to air pollutants will be estimated. The association between air pollution and lung cancer and interaction with other exposures such as second hand smoke, household exposure to biomass combustion, and occupation will be analysed.

Abstract:
When cancer is caught early, the treatments are easier and the cancer can often be removed and cured. This study wants to find out why some cancers are caught early and why some are not by looking at the health patterns of people years before a cancer diagnosis. We will use the health, lifestyle and screening information given by several thousand Albertans who have now had cancer. This type of information collected in the Alberta Tomorrow Project (ATP) is extremely valuable because it is the most accurate when measured before cancer is diagnosed. When we combine it with information about their cancer screening visits, say, mammogram dates, then we get a improved view of these health patterns. These patterns will be found using advanced methods that can combine many types of information in reliable ways. The important factors will be tested using mock data that mimics the ATP data. This will identify the best ones to catch cancer early so that they can be targeted by cancer screening and prevention programs.

The health patterns we discover will be studied in a similar group of adults in the B.C. Generations Project, so that we are confident of our findings. This B.C. study started a few years after the ATP one but has collected similar information on adults who did not have cancer when they enrolled in the study. The confirmed health patterns will then be used to improve cancer surveillance knowledge and activities in Alberta and beyond to find cancer earlier.

Abstract:
Associations between aspects of the built environment and adverse health outcomes have been established. There is increasing evidence that people’s lifestyles and well-being can be influenced both directly and indirectly by the built environment. Measures such as walkability and green space have been developed to characterize the built environment and determine associations between specific lifestyle choices and behaviours and built environment features. This study will explore these relationships within the BCGP data, and linked information from the CANUE dataset. It will also measure associations between built environment features (green space, walkability, and NO₂) and two important determinants of health – obesity and physical activity. Finally, this study will build on emerging research examining the role of individual residential mobility on health e.g., what types of neighbourhoods do people move between and does this impact obesity and other health-related factors? Potential benefits of this research include the identification of new, practical avenues for disease reduction, as built environment factors are modifiable

2018 Approved Research Projects

Abstract:
This study is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of a newer Hepatitis B vaccine (Sci-B-Vac) against the currently approved Hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix-B). This study will be a randomized multi-site trial involving adults age 18 years and older. The participants will receive 3 doses of either the approved vaccine or the study vaccine over 3 visits with blood tests at all visits. There will be 8 visits over a period of 12 months.

Abstract:
Worldwide, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer. Men are more likely to develop colorectal cancer than women. Different environmental, lifestyle and biologic factors may explain this difference. Also, research is uncovering the role of estrogen, a hormone that promotes the development and maintenance of female characteristics, in preventing colorectal cancer in women. Less is known of the role of hormones in the development of colorectal cancer in men. Similar to the evidence in women, there is support that the proper functioning of sex hormones may prevent colorectal cancer in men.

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interferes with the proper functioning of sex hormones. We are exposed to these chemicals in the environment and in diet; however, workers in certain sectors are highly exposed to endocrine disruptors. In this research, we will examine whether exposure to endocrine disruptors in the workplace increases the risk of colorectal cancer. Our research will be based within participants of the Canadian Parternship for Tomorrow Project. This study included men and women who have shared information on their health, lifestyle, environment and behaviours. Our research will include all men and women who were newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer since 2009. For comparison, we will select a sub-group of people, who have not had cancer at the beginning of the study.

The interview asked detailed questions on the longest-held job for all participants. Using this information, we will determine whether exposure to endocrine disruptors at the longest held job was probable or not. We will compare the number of colorectal cancer cases among participants who were probably exposed to endocrine disruptors to those who were never exposed. This study offers a valuable opportunity to examine, in a short time frame and at low cost, whether endocrine disruptors play an important role in colorectal cancer risk.

Abstract:
Being physically active have been shown to reduce the risk of some cancers. There are different types of physical activity, including activity at work and recreational activities. Participation in recreational activities has been shown to reduce lung cancer risk. However, the role of physical activity at work in affecting the development of lung cancer is not well-established. In fact, some studies have found that people who have physically demanding jobs also have a higher risk of lung cancer. As people spend many hours at work and some jobs are very physically demanding, new studies are needed to fully understand the role of physical activity at work on lung cancer development. In this research, we will examine how lung cancer risk is associated with physical activity levels at work.

Our research will be based on the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project (CPTP). Our research will include all men and women who were newly diagnosed with lung cancer since CPTP began. For comparison, we will also select a subgroup of people, who did not have a cancer at the beginning of the study. The interview asked detailed questions on the longest-held job for all participants. Using this information, we will compare activity levels in the longest-held job between those who were diagnosed with lung cancer and those who remained cancer-free. This study offers a valuable opportunity to examine, in a short time frame and at low cost, whether physical activity at work plays an important role in lung cancer development

Abstract:
Tumour spread to lymph nodes in the neck occurs in 1-in-2 oral cancer (OC) patients; once spread, survival decreases by 50%. Thus, early intervention may prevent tumour spread and improve survival. However, currently available clinical markers have been not effective in early detection of this spread and often lead to high incidence of over- and under-treatment. Therefore, new and more effective markers are needed. This study investigates the molecular profiles of primary tumours and circulating blood markers that can be potentially used at the time of diagnosis for optimal early intervention.

Abstract:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent cause of cancer-related death in Canada. The evidence is clear that modifiable health behaviours, such as physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and undergoing regular screenings, are central to CRC prevention. Emerging evidence also highlights the importance of health behaviours in the prevention of cancer and recurrence and comorbidity development in CRC survivors. This research will use BCGP data to determine adherence to these prevention behaviours, identify important predictors of this adherence, and measure health behavior change after CRC diagnosis.

Abstract:
Breast cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian women. Despite a decrease in the number of breast cancer diagnoses in older women in the past 25 years, diagnoses among women under the age of 50 have increased. The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that 17% of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases will be in women under the age of 50 in 2017. Young women diagnosed with breast cancer tend to have poorer survival because they are not routinely screened, thus they are often diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer. Breast cancer in older women has been studied extensively, but comparatively, little is known about the risk factors for young-onset breast cancer. Inherited genetic mutations play a role, but generally, only account for 5-10% of young-onset cases, suggesting lifestyle or environmental factors may contribute to the development of young-onset breast cancer.

The Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project (CPTP) is Canada’s largest population cohort study that was developed to explore relationships between lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors and chronic disease outcomes. In this project, we will use data from three sub-cohorts in CPTP (BC Generations Project, Alberta’s Tomorrow Project and Ontario Health Study) to examine the risk factors of young-onset breast cancers in those less than 50 years of age. Results generated in this project will improve our understanding of breast cancer risk factors in younger women, leading to improved prevention strategies in young women at elevated risk of breast cancer

Abstract:
In Canada, 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime, with lung and prostate cancer being two of the most common cancers diagnosed. Many of these cancers may be prevented through lifestyle changes, including changes to diet and physical activity levels. However, the link between lifestyle and cancer is poorly understood. Only age, race and family history are well-known risk factors for prostate cancer and little is known about modifiable risk factors for lung cancer beyond smoking. The project aims to carry out a series of studies to identify the lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that may increase the risk that a person will be diagnosed with lung or prostate cancer.

Using data from the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project, we aim to investigate known and potentially new risk factors for prostate and lung cancer collected from physical measurements, questionnaires, and blood samples, including medical history, lifestyle (diet, body size, sleep, physical activity), and environmental factors (e.g. exposure to toxins). Cancer development was determined over 9 years, during which time more than 800 lung and prostate cancers were diagnosed. People who were diagnosed with cancer will be matched with a person of the same age, sex, race, and family history of cancer for comparison. Statistical modeling will be used to identify new risk factors that may help identify people who are at risk of developing cancer. This information will inform the design of interventions to prevent these cancers in the future and improve the health of Canadians.

Abstract:
Lung cancer is the most common cancer among Canadians, accounting for 14% of all new cases and 26% of all deaths. The lung cancer five-year survival rate is among the lowest of the leading cancer sites; it is 18% overall and only 4% when the disease has already spread to distant sites. Lung cancer is very rarely diagnosed at an early stage because the disease presents with few symptoms; non-smokers, in particular, are much more likely be diagnosed at a later stage since physicians are not usually looking for it in non-smokers. This is a large study population and includes a large number of both smokers and non-smokers; it will provide a unique opportunity to focus on lung cancer risk among non-smokers in particular. We will study the link between several suspected risk factors for lung cancer and cancer risk among participants in the various cohorts that comprise the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project (excluding Quebec). We will assess the risk of cancer according to 1) ecologic measures of residential radon exposure, 2) outdoor air pollution, and 3) dietary fruit and vegetable intake. The risk of lung cancer among never smokers may be increasing, which provides a strong imperative for continued research. Our study has many novel features and provides a unique opportunity to gain information on lung cancer risk in a Canadian population and to directly inform public health strategy and prevention of this highly-fatal disease.

Abstract:
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is an established cause of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)-basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The aim of this study was to estimate the current burden of BCC and SCC associated with UVR and modifiable UVR behaviours (sunburn, sunbathing, and indoor tanning) in Canada in 2015.

The current burden of BCC and SCC associated with UVR was estimated by comparing 2015 incidence rates with rates of less exposed body sites (trunk and lower limbs) after adjusting for estimated surface areas. The burden associated with modifiable UVR behaviours was estimated by using prevalence estimates among Caucasians from the Second National Sun Survey, and relative risks that are generalizable to Canadians from conducting meta-analyses of relevant studies.

We estimated that 80.5% of BCCs and 83.0% of SCCs were attributable to UVR. Adult sunburn was associated with relative risks of 1.85 (95% CI 1.15-3.00) for BCC and 1.41 (95% CI 0.91-2.18) for SCC, while adult sunbathing was associated with relative risks of 1.82 (95% CI 1.52-2.17) for BCC and 1.14 (95% CI 0.53-2.46) for SCC. We estimated that 18.6% of BCCs and 9.9% of SCCs were attributable to adult sunburn, while 28.1% of BCCs were attributable to adult sunbathing. We estimated that 46.2% of BCCs and 17.3% of SCCs were attributable to modifiable UVR behaviours combined.

Our results provide quantifiable estimates of the potentially avoidable burden of NMSCs among Canadians. These estimates can be used to motivate prevention efforts in Canada.

2017 Approved Research Projects

Abstract:
There is a growing interest in the role of air pollution on inflammation and disease, including exposures to wildfire-smoke-related fine particulate matter. Fine particles (PM2.5) in air pollution can enter the body through the airways and trigger an inflammatory response. Gases from traffic-related and industrial air pollutants may also directly affect inflammation and disease. Our team has shown an association between road-traffic density and rheumatic disease onset in Montreal, found links between PM2.5 levels and rheumatic disease activity, and suggested PM2.5 and industrial emissions as triggers of autoimmune disease. The key areas that remain unknown are what types of pollution exposures and climate change related exposures (wildfire smoke, temperature variability) might be most important for both risks of antibody development and autoimmune disease risk. Our proposal will fill these remaining important knowledge gaps.

Abstract:
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in Canadian women – 1 in 9 Canadian women will be diagnosed in their lifetime. Despite ongoing advances in screening, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment; breast cancer remains the second-leading cause of cancer-related death. Animal studies and laboratory studies using human breast tumours suggest that the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, found mostly in fish, can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Measuring blood levels of the different omega-3 fatty acids is a more precise way to determine intake and status. We propose to look at participants from Alberta’s Tomorrow Project (ATP) as well as BC Generations Project (BCGP) who provided data and blood samples in order to look at dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids as well as the levels of these fatty acids in blood. We will use dietary intake information from ~16,000 women in ATP as well as a blood sample donated by ~1000 women in ATP and BCGP (one third who have been diagnosed with breast cancer) to measure blood omega-3 fatty acid levels and also to determine if there is an association with breast cancer risk. To do this, we will account for other risk factors for breast cancer, such as family history and physical activity, to tease out the specific risk that might be associated with a low status of omega-3 fatty acids. This work will provide evidence as to whether omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of breast cancer, and will provide some reference levels for counselling women on how to reduce their risk.

Abstract:

2016 Approved Research Projects

For many types of cancer, early detection means more treatment options and better outcomes. Most population-based cancer screening methods (e.g. mammography or colonoscopy) only search for a single type of cancer. Other methods that could detect a number of different cancers during a single screening – such as MRI imaging – are too costly and invasive for routine, widespread use

CANDACE is a clinical study aimed at determining whether it is possible to detect early signs of cancer through a simple blood test. The study will assess the accuracy, reliability and clinical usefulness of Pathway Genomics’ CancerIntercept^TM Detect test. Based on technology developed by Boreal Genomics, this experimental test uses blood samples to identify mutations in genes that are associated with the development and progression of cancer.

The CANDACE study will recruit 1,000 healthy volunteer participants who have not been diagnosed with cancer in the past. Participants who have a positive test result will be examined further using proven diagnostic methods (e.g. medical imaging) to confirm whether the blood test has correctly indicated the presence of a cancer.

The CANDACE study is led by Boreal Genomics in collaboration with the University of British Columbia, the BC Cancer Agency, the BC Generations Project and Pathway Genomics.

Chronic inflammation (CI), which typically occurs when an acute inflammatory response is not resolved, is a primary cause of many cancers (CAs) as well as a host of other conditions, ranging from heart disease to Alzheimer’s disease. The identification of individuals predisposed to CI would be of great value for indentifying high-risk people.

We have devised a series of simple assays in which small amounts of human blood are incubated under conditions that mimic what happens in our body and infecting these samples with either bacteria (E. coli) or virus (herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1)). Using special Luminex beads then allows us to rapidly determine the intensity and nature of our response to these microbes.

Objectives:

To examine normal person-to person variation in inflammatory status.
To evaluate the inflammatory status of high risk populations (i.e., those with BMIs>40 and heavy smokers).

Significance: Simple, blood-based assays that measure the levels of inflammatory proteins present both before and after stimulation with intact bacteria or viruses may yield insights into the susceptibility of individuals to CI as well as resistance to bacterial and viral infections and to CA. These tests could provide a “personalized medicine” approach to treat CI by determining which anti-inflammatory agents are most effective at reducing CI in vitro for a specific person.

Abstract:
Cancer prevention guidelines highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight, eating well, being active and limiting alcohol. However, a key gap in knowledge exists regarding mechanistic links between preventative behaviours and cancer. Metabolomics is the study of chemical fingerprints that cellular processes leave behind, specifically endogenous and exogenous small molecule profiles. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is high throughput, quantitative, and captures hundreds of unique metabolites, thus providing insight into these mechanisms.

We hypothesize that there will be distinct metabolic profiles associated with preventive behaviours: healthy weight, fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity and alcohol consumption. Further, metabolic profiles will differ between individuals who engage in multiple versus single or no preventive behaviours.

Aim 1: Metabolite profiles will be characterized for each lifestyle-related preventive behaviour: healthy weight, consumption of at least 5 fruit and vegetables per day, no more than 2 alcoholic drinks (men) or 1 (women) and at least 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity on 5 days of the week.

Aim 2: Metabolites will be compared between people according to the number of preventive behaviours they engage in.

Aim 3: To determine the relevance of metabolites identified in aims 1 and 2 to cancer development.

These results may identify new biomarkers correlated with preventive behaviours that are potentially relevant for biological processes leading to cancer development. This can help guide future targeted studies that consider these metabolites as mediators or targets that impact cancer.

Abstract:
Smoking can affect health both before and after a diagnosis of cancer. Our study objective is to estimate the percentage of smokers among individuals who have ever or never been diagnosed with cancer and the percentage of smokers who quit smoking after a cancer diagnosis. We would also like to determine if these percentages differ by various factors, including age, sex or type of cancer. Data collected from the participants of the BC Generations Project will be used. A clearer understanding of smoking behaviours in cancer patients is required if we are to improve patient management, care and health.

2015 Approved Research Projects

Abstract:
The evidence linking physical inactivity with increased health care costs is strong. Likewise, the links between the built environment and both physical activity and obesity have been well described. However, the relative contribution of the built environment to health care utilization costs via physical activity has not been well examined. Given that physical activity is a major contributor to weight status, it is also important to investigate the aforementioned relationship as mediated by BMI. Such a study could provide insights into potential health care savings associated with built environment changes to encourage physical activity, which is important in light of fiscal health care challenges. Cost-benefit models used for transportation decisions fail to capture these costs, and prevent full evaluation of the relative cost-effectiveness of transit, roadway, bikeway, and sidewalk investments. The proposed study will link administrative database to BC Generations Project cohort as well as to a database of built environment features (walkability, bikeability, regional accessibility) in order to enumerate these costs in British Columbia, providing a model that can be used elsewhere. The Vancouver region’s variation in built environment features is greater than in nearly all other places in Canada, making this an ideal study setting.

Abstract:

Abstract:
The Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project (CPTP) is the product of $150+ million dollar investment to create a first class infrastructure to support health research internationally. It is Canada’s largest population cohort with detailed data on 300,000+ adults, and a vast collection of biospecimens. The leaders of CPTP have teamed-up with scientists from a range of disciplines from air pollution science to genetics and endocrinology to enable a deeper understanding of how air pollution and the surroundings where people live interact with genes to influence cardiometabolic health. The program capitalizes on existing data and resources to address highly relevant questions for public health authorities, researchers, and health practitioners. The focus is on metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of medical conditions that are common in aging adults, including: obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and insulin resistance. Because people with MetS are more likely to develop diabetes and cardiovascular disease, this disorder represents a substantial burden on healthcare systems. MetS results from the interaction of many genes, lifestyle and the environment, including air pollution, but these mechanisms are not well understood. The activities of this program are: (1) To quantify the effect of air pollution and built environment on MetS; (2) to study the effect of air pollution on molecular changes in DNA that regulate gene activity, and to determine if these changes are associated with MetS; (3) to map differences in the DNA code that regulate the expression of genes, and see if their effect are modified by environmental factors. There are no studies on the genetic and environmental risk factors of MetS at this scale in terms of size, richness of health and genomic data. Neither is there any program that has the infrastructure to return and share data with researchers to facilitate discovery; making this an invaluable return on investment.

2014 Approved Research Projects

Abstract:

2013 Approved Research Projects

Abstract:
An individual’s genome is composed of their entire cellular DNA which provides the fundamental blueprint for encoding the components of each of the several trillion cells of the human body. By purifying DNA from a small sample of blood, one can decode all 3 billion DNA bases (represented by the code A, C, G and T). This DNA sequence information can be combined with the sequence information from hundreds of individuals to identify patterns within DNAs that are linked to particular traits such as disease propensity, or eye color. While most traits are encoded by many genes (i.e., traits are complex), trends and “associations” can be found if one analyzes a sufficient number of genomes. The sequence of all the genes in the genome determined for each blood sample obtained from the BC Generations Project will be securely stored in the Pharmacogenomics Database in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Sequencing Centre at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC.