Facilitating knowledge translation and exchange within school health systems

Dr Darren Brenner is studying the impact of lifestyle and related molecular pathways in the development and progression of several cancers including those of the lung, breast and colon. The impact of chronic inflammation from physical inactivity and environmental factors on breast and lung cancer risk is currently being evaluated in several case-control, cohort and randomized intervention trials. Dr Brenner is also leading multiple research projects that are focused on cancer prevention through quantifying the impacts of all known lifestyle factors (e.g. tobacco, diet, alcohol, physical inactivity, obesity, infections) and environmental factors (e.g. air, water and soil contaminants, ultraviolet [UV] radiation) on cancer incidence in Canada. During his postdoctoral training, Dr Brenner has been conducting research to examine the impact of lifestyle (specifically physical activity) and inflammation on cancer risk and survival and to quantify the burden of cancer due to lifestyle and environmental factors at the population level. During his Doctoral training, where he examined the role of inflammation in the development of lung cancer among people who had never smoked. The primary aims of Dr Brenner?s research are to examine the impact of lifestyle (specifically physical activity) and inflammation on cancer risk and survival and to quantify the burden of cancer due to lifestyle and environmental factors at the population level. The goal of Dr Brenner?s research program is to reduce cancer burden in Canada through knowledge generation that can be translated into cancer prevention interventions aimed at reducing cancer risk and improving cancer outcomes. This project will examine the impact of multiple lifestyle and environmental factors on current and future cancer burden in Canada. The project will include prevalent risk factors with proven relevance for cancer prevention including tobacco, obesity, diet, physical activity, environmental carcinogens, UV radiation, infectious agents and hormone therapies. Results from this research program will inform cancer prevention programs and policies to reduce the incidence of cancer. This project will also examine the mechanisms through which lifestyle factors, in particular physical inactivity and obesity, impact cancer risk and survival.