Cancer is complex and can be a devastating diagnosis for individuals and their families. Our researchers work to improve cancer control on many levels, from prevention and screening through treatment and survivorship.
Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute (KPWHRI) has been studying how to provide life-saving breast cancer screening since 1986. In a novel initiative, researchers used a computer-based registry and collaborations with organizations across the U.S. before electronic health records existed and multi-site studies were common. The program ultimately led to a rich portfolio of studies not only on breast cancer, but also on colorectal, blood, cervical, lung, and thyroid cancers.
“Decades later, Kaiser Permanente Washington is just as committed to developing and evaluating innovations in cancer care,” said Karen Wernli, PhD, KPWHRI senior investigator.
The core of KPWHRI cancer research lies in its participation in many collaborative networks and programs. “Collaboration increases the power of Kaiser Permanente studies and helps us learn from different populations and health care settings,” said Senior Investigator Jessica Chubak, PhD. Examples of these networks include:
Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC)
The BCSC identifies strategies that detect aggressive breast cancer early, minimize harms, and reach diverse communities. Results help policymakers and health systems improve breast cancer screening and surveillance outcomes. The Kaiser Permanente Washington Breast Imaging Registry contributes to this national effort and the BCSC Statistical Coordinating Center resides at KPWHRI.
Population-based Research to Optimize the Screening Process (PROSPR)
The PROSPR national consortium conducts research to improve screening for cervical, colorectal, and lung cancers. PROSPR results will help optimize and tailor screening for different subgroups of the population.
Kaiser Permanente Research Bank (KPRB) Cancer Cohort
The KPRB Cancer Cohort is a national resource for understanding genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors that contribute to cancer etiology and survival. Electronic health record data, stored tissue specimens, detailed treatment data, and the ability to follow patients for recurrence and mortality are accelerating progress toward improved cancer care.
Some of the cancer research group’s current studies include:
Past findings include:
Selik RM, Chu SY, Ward JW. Trends in infectious disease and cancers among persons dying from human immunodeficiency virus infection, United States,1987-1992. Ann Intern Med. 1995;123(12):933-6. PubMed
Thompson RS, Barlow WE, Taplin SH, Grothaus L, Immanuel V, Salazar A, Wagner EH. A population-based case-cohort evaluation of the efficacy of mammographic screening for breast cancer. Am J Epidemiol. 1994;140(10):889-901. PubMed
Handley MR, Stuart ME. The use of prostate specific antigen for prostate cancer screening: a managed care perspective. J Urol. 1994;152(5 Pt 2):1689-92. PubMed
Sherman KJ, Daling JR, McKnight B, Chu J. Hormonal factors in vulvar cancer. A case-control study. J Reprod Med. 1994;39(11):857-61. PubMed
Taplin SH, Taylor V, Montano D, Chinn R, Urban N. Specialty differences and the ordering of screening mammography by primary care physicians. J Am Board Fam Pract. 1994;7(5):375-86. PubMed
![]() Melissa L. Anderson, MSPrincipal Collaborative Biostatistician |
![]() Erin J. Bowles, MPHDirector, Collaborative Science |
![]() Jessica Chubak, PhDSenior Investigator |
![]() Yates Coley, PhDAssociate Biostatistics Investigator |
![]() Andrea J. Cook, PhDSenior Biostatistics Investigator |
![]() Marlaine Figueroa Gray, PhDAssistant Investigator |
![]() Beverly B. Green, MD, MPHSenior Investigator |
![]() Laura E. Ichikawa, MSPrincipal Collaborative Biostatistician |
![]() Jennifer B. McClure, PhDDirector, Investigative Science |
![]() Ellen O'Meara, PhDPrincipal Collaborative Scientist |
![]() Lorella Palazzo, PhDSenior Collaborative Scientist |
![]() Gaia Pocobelli, PhDSenior Collaborative Scientist |
![]() Rod L. Walker, MSPrincipal Collaborative Biostatistician |
![]() Robert D. Wellman, MSPrincipal Collaborative Biostatistician |
![]() Karen Wernli, PhDSenior Investigator |
![]() Onchee Yu, MSPrincipal Collaborative Biostatistician |
![]() Weiwei Zhu, MSSenior Collaborative Biostatistician |
![]() Yu-Ru Su, PhDAssociate Biostatistics Investigator |
![]() Brian D. Williamson, PhDAssistant Biostatistics Investigator |
![]() Noorie Hyun, PhDAssociate Biostatistics Investigator |
![]() Pamela A. Shaw, PhD, MSSenior Biostatistics Investigator |
![]() Nicole M. Gatto, PhD, MPHPrincipal Collaborative Scientist |
![]() Meagan C. Brown, PhD, MPHAssistant Investigator |
![]() Nora Henrikson, PhD, MPHAssociate Investigator |
![]() Lily N. Shapiro, PhDCollaborative Scientist |
Wylie Burke, MD, PhD
University of Washington (UW) Department of Medical History and Ethics
Joann G. Elmore, MD, MPH
Harborview Medical Center; UW Department of Epidemiology
Larry Kessler, ScD
UW Department of Health Services
Constance D. Lehman, MD, PhD
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance; UW Department of Radiology
Kathy Leppig, MD
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington; UW Department of Pathology
Peggy L. Porter, MD
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC); UW Department of Pathology
Emily White, PhD
FHCRC; UW Department of Epidemiology
Rachel Winer, PhD, MPH
Fred Hutchinson/UW Cancer Consortium; UW Department of Epidemiology