Division of Genetics and Epidemiology

The Division of Genetics and Epidemiology is internationally renowned for its pioneering work in understanding the underlying genetic causes of cancer risk. High-quality laboratory, epidemiological and clinical research within the division is driven by energetic, innovative leadership and complemented by participation in national and international research consortiums, clinical collaborations and technological partnerships.

Aims, facilities and activity in this division

The research leaders in the division – formed between the division and the Cancer Genetics Unit at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust – provide exceptional opportunities to translate scientific discoveries for clinical benefit, particularly in the development of new ways of detecting people at increased risk of cancer and strategies to help them manage that risk.

Gene discovery research in the Division has been extremely successful, identifying genetic predisposition factors in a wide variety of cancers, including breast, ovarian, prostate, lung, testicular, brain, haematological and childhood cancers. The work has revealed important insights into the genetic architecture of cancer, and has identified both genetic and epigenetic factors that play an important role in determining cancer risk.

Researchers are also conducting several long-term epidemiological studies looking at how genetic, behavioural and environmental factors may affect cancer risk. The division hosts the Breast Cancer Now Generations Study – funded by Breast Cancer Now – which is one of the world’s largest studies of the causes of breast cancer, involving more than 100,000 women across the UK.”

Division leadership

Professor Richard Houlston

Head of Division:

Cancer Genomics

Professor Richard Houlston is Head of the Division of Genetics and Epidemiology. His research focuses on the identification and characterisation of genetic susceptibility to cancer.

See profile