Aging and Cancer Research Alliance Launches

Aging and Cancer Research Alliance

The Aging and Cancer Research Alliance Joint Retreat, co-hosted by Yale Cancer Center and the Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut, aimed to bring together researchers across disciplines and community partners to explore the intersection of aging and cancer, and foster new collaborations and new research directions to support the needs of older adults in Connecticut communities.

This event was the product of several years of partnership, collaboration, and community engagement. Leaders from Yale Cancer Center—including the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program, the Genomic, Genetics, & Epigenetics Research Program, the Community Outreach and Engagement component, and the Office of Research Affairs—collaborated with leaders from the Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut to invite community leaders, scientists and physicians, trainees and aging experts across Connecticut to convene and to learn from one another to advance the science of aging and cancer and ensure that Yale Cancer Center research is responsive to the needs of our Connecticut communities.

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Featured Research

Dr. Jeffery Townsend

Dr. Jeffrey Townsend, Elihu Professor of Biostatistics and Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Yale School of Public Health, presented research showing that cancer risk and treatment effectiveness change significantly with age.

Dr. Amy Justice

Dr. Amy Justice, Peter N. Herbert Professor of Internal Medicine and Professor of Public Health (Health Policy), presented her work on how cancer screening decisions for older adults should consider more than just chronological age.

Dr. Michaela Dinan

Dr. Michaela Dinan, Professor of Epidemiology, presented her research on the health challenges faced by older adults who have survived cancer for five years or more. Advances in early detection and treatment mean that two-thirds of patients with cancer now live beyond five years after diagnosis.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REPORT

Community Updates

Community Needs and Priorities for Aging and Cancer

At our retreat, community providers presented themes on aging and cancer. Dr. Melissa Lang, CEO of the Agency on Aging of South Central CT, presented themes from conversations with leaders across CT. Nora Duncan, State Director of CT AARP, Carolyn DeRocco, VP of Programs and Education at the Alzheimer's Association shared their expertise on the changing needs of CT residents.

Aging and Cancer in CT Community Data Snapshot

Older adults represent the fastest-growing segment of the US population, and with advancing age comes an increased risk for many chronic diseases, including cancer. This report provides a snapshot of cancer incidence and mortality among older adults in our state. Read more here.