Lin Zhang

Supervisors names: Dr. Aung Ko Win (principle), Prof. Mark Jenkins

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality globally. Though Asia has traditionally been considered having a relatively low incidence of CRC compared with western countries, the incidence has been increasing over the last decade in many Asian countries. Several epidemiological studies from Western countries consistently reported that family history of CRC is a strong risk factor for CRC and adenoma. As a consequence, CRC screening guidelines in many Western countries use family history information to define people into different risk categories and recommend the frequency and intensity of screening strategies accordingly. Given that family structure and environmental exposures are likely to be different in Asian countries compared with Western countries, the association might be different. The project will investigate the association between family history and the risk of CRC and adenoma in Asian countries, using data from the Asian Cohort Consortium which include 28 prospective cohort studies from 9 Asian countries, and investigate whether the screening practices are in accordance with their specific country’s guidelines. This project will provide useful information for the association between family history and the risk of CRC and adenoma, and its impact on the CRC screening in Asian countries.

View Lin's PhD thesis here: The role of family history in colorectal cancer screening in East Asia

PhD scholarship and funding body:
- Population Health Investing in Research Student Training (PHIRST), The University of Melbourne
- Melbourne International Research Scholarship, The University of Melbourne
- Melbourne International Fee Remission Scholarship, The University of Melbourne