NCI funds multidisciplinary projects to study obesity and cancer
Posted by Kate Murphy on October 26th, 2005
NCI has awarded $54 million in grants to four centers to explore the interaction between obesity and cancer. The new initiative will studythe integration of diet, exercise, and weight and its impact on the development of cancer.
In an [news release](http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/TREC) on October 11, 2005, NCI announced the grants as part of Transdisciplinary Research on Energetics and Cancer (TREC). Robert Croyle, director of NCI’s Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, explained,
TREC will bring together outstanding scientists from many disciplines. Together these experts will answer critical questions that will help guide our nation’s public health efforts. NCI is determined to help avoid an increase in cancer deaths in the 21st century due to obesity like the one caused by tobacco in the 20th century.
Funded centers include
+ **Case WesternReserve University** in Cleveland will concentrate on cellular mechanisms and clinical research focusing on obesity, metabolic dysfunction, and colorectal cancer.
+ **Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center** in Seattle will explore diet and exercise and their impact on breast and colorectal cancer.
+ **University of Minnesota** in Minneapolis will study causes of obesity and its prevention in youth and families.
+ **University of Southern California** in Los Angeles will study physiologic, metabolic, genetic, behavioral, and environmental influences on obesity and cancer risk in minority children.
The Fred Hutchinson Center Center will serve as the coordinating center for the initiative providing communication, data-sharing, and collaboration among the projects.
