About Us
- The causes of pediatric cancers are by and large unknown in greater than 95% of the cases. There are estimated 13,000 new pediatric cancers diagnosed in the US annually. In less than 5% of cases is there a history of exposure to either radiation or chemotherapy or an underlying genetic syndrome to explain a possible reason for tumor development.
- We are inviting families to take part in a research study that will help us better understand the risk factors for childhood cancer. To do this, we are studying and comparing genes of people with childhood cancer and genes of their parents and siblings. We are also administering a comprehensive, family-history questionnaire in order compile data on possible environmental causes
Information we learn in this study may help to improve screening for childhood cancers in the future. This information may one day lead to improved cancer screening tests and maybe prevent cancer from developing in these children.
Helpful links
- Childhood Cancer and Environment” project from the PEHSU
- Pediatric Environmental Health e-Toolkit with information about specific exposures that children may experience and how to avoid them
Study Team
Michael Scheurer, Ph.D., M.P.H. – Principal Investigator
Sidney L. and Donald F. Faust Chair of Pediatric Cancer Epidemiology at Texas Children’s Cancer Center
Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine
Director, Center for Epidemiology and Population Health
Associate Director for Excellence in Cancer Equity, Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center
Texas Children’s Hospital / Baylor College of Medicine
Philip Lupo, Ph.D., M.P.H. -Professor of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine
Endowed Chair in Molecular Epidemiology, Texas Children’s Hospital
Director, Epidemiology and Population Sciences Program, Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center
Chair, Children’s Oncology Group Epidemiology Committee
