Geospatial Approaches to Energy Balance and Breast Cancer

Cancer occurs in specific places and spaces, each of which have identifiable geographic coordinates, characterized by unique natural, built and social characteristics, all of which contribute significantly to cancer across the spectrum from etiology through diagnosis, treatment and outcomes. In the first volume of this series, published in 2010, a single chapter was focused on these geographic influences. Since then, the field of geospatial studies of cancer prevention and control has exploded in approaches and applications. Accordingly, this volume focuses on what has now become a very specific research endeavor, Geospatial Factors Impacting Breast Cancer. The book provides important insights into this relatively new and rapidly developing field. It should be of value to all students of the Energy Balance & Cancer Series and a wide-ranging introduction to problems in cancer prevention and control for geographers, demographers and other researchers with a geospatial perspective. Moreover, it provides important information for all oncologists, endocrinologists, and behavioral modification professionals to better understand their patients in the context of their environment. It should also provide important considerations for physicians, scientists, public health professionals and disparity investigator planning clinical trials, community interventions and community planning.

David Berrigan, PhD MPH, has been a biologist and Program Director in the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences since 2003 and is currently a member of the Health Behaviors Research Branch. Dr. Berrigan received his Ph.D. in biology from the University of Utah in 1993 and M.P.H. from UC Berkeley in 2000 and undertook Postdoctoral training at the University of Washington, La Trobe University and the National Cancer Institute.  His research has examined energy balance, carcinogenesis, physical activity, and acculturation using a mix of animal models, population data, and methodological research aimed at improving survey data and incorporating geospatial thinking into cancer prevention and control.  He is strongly committed to research aimed at health and health equity for all via environments and institutions that foster well-being, preventive services, and care regardless of demographic or economic circumstances.

Nathan A. Berger, MD, Distinguished University Professor and Hanna-Payne Professor of Experimental Medicine, Biochemistry, Genetics and Oncology, is Director of the Case Western Reserve University Center for Science, Health and Society. He obtained the MD degree from Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, PA, interned at Michael Reese Medical Center, Chicago, IL, and served as a medical resident and Hematology/Oncology Fellow at Washington University, St. Louis, MO. Dr. Berger was a research associate in the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Gerontology Research Center, NICHD, NIH, Baltimore, MD. He was on the faculty at Washington University School of Medicine, before moving to Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine where he served consecutively as Chief, Hematology/Oncology Division, Cancer Center Director, Dean, CWRU School of Medicine and now Director, Center for Science, Health and Society. His research focuses on model systems to study impact of diet, obesity and exercise on aging andcancer and studies to translate and evaluate these observations in human subjects.