Division of Epidemiology

February 6, 2026

New analytical approach identifies novel risk genes for colorectal cancer

The study advances understanding of risk for colon and rectal cancers and points to targets for developing new treatments.

By Leigh MacMillan
January 9, 2026

Weight loss drugs and bariatric surgery improve the body’s fat ‘balance:’ study

The retrospective study analyzed the electronic health records of 1,257 patients ages 18 to 65 who underwent bariatric surgery at Vanderbilt Health from 2017 to 2022, and 1,809 patients treated with the drugs semaglutide or tirzepatide from 2018 to 2023. 

By Guillermo Sanchez, PhD
December 3, 2025

Large-scale integration of genomics, proteomics and clinical records identifies cancer risk proteins and potential therapeutics

A new study identifies previously unreported protein biomarkers and candidate drug targets across six major cancer types and highlights approved drugs with potential cancer preventive effects.

By Leigh MacMillan
October 15, 2025

VIGH’s Douglas Heimburger retires

He helped create research training opportunities for doctoral and postdoctoral trainees at Vanderbilt as well as those from low- and middle-income countries.

By Kristin Centers
October 15, 2025

New NCI-funded project targets polyp recurrence to prevent colon cancer

The researchers anticipate that their findings will inform personalized colorectal polyp surveillance, guide therapeutic prevention strategies, and ultimately reduce the burden of colorectal cancer nationwide.

By Leigh MacMillan
(Shutterstock)
September 29, 2025

Keloid risk genes open door to better therapy

These raised scars tend to recur after surgical removal, and the effectiveness of alternative treatments is limited.

By Bill Snyder
August 7, 2025

Healthy plant-based diets reduce risk of death in long-term VUMC study

The findings published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggest that efforts to promote diets high in healthy plant foods and low in animal foods could improve health outcomes.
By Guillermo Sanchez, PhD
July 29, 2025

A fast daily walk could extend your life: study

Just 15 minutes per day of fast walking reduced the risk of premature death in a low-income and predominantly Black U.S. population.
By Leigh MacMillan
April 2, 2025

New gene discoveries target uterine fibroids

The research is another step toward development of targeted therapies aimed at reducing the incidence and medical burden of this common condition.
By Bill Snyder
January 15, 2025

Study in multiancestry populations uncovers new insights into breast cancer genetics 

The study identified 332 independent association signals for breast cancer risk, including 131 signals not previously reported.
By Tom Wilemon
November 26, 2024

Novel genetics approach enhances discovery of disease risk genes

VUMC researchers applied the new approach to large GWAS datasets for breast, prostate and lung cancers, and three brain disorders.
By Leigh MacMillan
November 11, 2024

Southern Environmental Health Study recruiting participants 

People who sign up can help researchers assess whether environmental factors may be the culprits behind the region’s higher cancer burden.
By Tom Wilemon
October 22, 2024

VUMC, Nigeria teaching hospital to study genetic risk of fibroids based on regional African ancestry

The research team will analyze existing genome-wide association study data and RNA sequencing to compare fibroid development patterns in Nigerian women and U.S. Black women, which could point to targeted therapies and management strategies for affected women.
By Kristin Centers
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