Harvard Catalyst Profiles

I am the Vincent L. Gregory, Jr. Professor of Cancer Prevention at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I also serve as the founding Director of the Zhu Family Center for Global Cancer Prevention at Harvard and the founding Director of the Center for Global Health at Dana-Farber. My research focuses on cancer genetics and molecular epidemiology, prevention, early detection, and addressing health disparities, with a particular emphasis on identifying high-risk populations and developing strategies for early cancer detection and prevention.

Key areas of my current work include:

Prostate Cancer: I lead the Men of African Descent and Carcinoma of the Prostate (MADCaP) network, which includes centers in North America and Africa to address prostate cancer disparities in the African diaspora. In recognition of this work, I received the 2011 Landon Award for International Research and served as a Fulbright Specialist (2011-2016) to develop cancer research centers in Africa. With over 20 participating centers in Africa, MADCaP has been supported by NIH P20/P50/R01/U01 grants focused on precision approaches for prostate cancer in African descent men. For more information, visit MADCaP

Cancer Genetics: My research explores the genetic causes of hereditary and non-hereditary cancers, with a focus on using genetic data to guide precision prevention strategies. I have led studies on BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, which influenced clinical practices for cancer risk reduction. I also study genetic modifiers of cancer risk in BRCA carriers to improve prevention strategies. I have co-founded the African Oncogenetics Network to advance cancer genetics research and practice in Africa. Learn more at African Oncogenetics Network.

Cancer Prevention and Early Detection: Building on my genetics research, I focus on translating findings into effective cancer prevention and early detection strategies. I led studies that established the role of preventive surgery in reducing cancer risk in women with inherited BRCA mutations. As Director of the Zhu Family Center for Global Cancer Prevention, I oversee initiatives aimed at community engagement and global cancer prevention. Our center is a member of the International Alliance for Cancer Early Detection (ACED), working to develop tools like liquid biopsy for early cancer detection. For more, visit Zhu Family Center for Global Cancer Prevention and ACED

Cancer Training and Education: I lead the NIH-funded Strategic Training Achievements for Research Success (STARS) program, which trains African researchers to build careers in cancer research. Over 100 participants have gone on to lead successful research efforts across Africa. We also developed the Cancer Fact Finder website, offering the public reliable, evidence-based information on cancer causes and prevention. Explore more at STARS and Cancer Fact Finder