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 led to a rich portfolio of studies on breast, colorectal, blood, cervical, lung, and thyroid cancers.
“Decades later, Kaiser Permanente Washington is just as committed to developing and evaluating innovations in cancer care,” says Karen Wernli, PhD, KPWHRI associate investigator.
Our work in prevention and screening includes:
KPWHRI studies also span treatment and survivorship, such as:
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,” says Senior Investigator Jessica Chubak, PhD. Examples of these networks include:
Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC)
The BCSC identifies strategies that detect 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, colon, 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.
Selected KPWHRI cancer research projects include:
Beckmann AM, Daling JR, Sherman KJ, Maden C, Miller BA, Coates RJ, Kiviat NB, Myerson D, Weiss NS, Hislop TG, Beagrie M, McDougall JK. Human papillomavirus infection and anal cancer. Int J Cancer. 1989;43(6):1042-9. PubMed
Verreault R, Chu J, Mandelson M, Shy K. A case-control study of diet and invasive cervical cancer. Int J Cancer. 1989;43(6):1050-4. PubMed
UK National Case-Control Study Group. Oral contraceptive use and breast cancer risk in young women. Lancet. 1989;1(8645):973-82. PubMed
Jick SS, Walker AM, Stergachis A, Jick H. Oral contraceptives and breast cancer. Br J Cancer. 1989;59(4):618-21. PubMed
Jick SS, Walker AM, Stergachis A, Jick H. Oral contraceptives and breast cancer. Br J Cancer. 1989;59(4):618-21. PubMed
![]() Melissa L. Anderson, MSSenior Collaborative Biostatistician |
![]() Erin J. Bowles, MPHManager, Collaborative Science |
![]() David S. Carrell, PhDAssociate Investigator |
![]() Jessica Chubak, PhDSenior Investigator |
![]() Yates Coley, PhDAssistant Biostatistics Investigator |
![]() Andrea J. Cook, PhDSenior Biostatistics Investigator |
![]() Marlaine Gray, PhDAssistant Investigator |
![]() Beverly B. Green, MD, MPHSenior Investigator |
![]() Nora Henrikson, PhD, MPHAssociate Investigator |
![]() Laura E. Ichikawa, MSSenior Collaborative Biostatistician |
![]() Aruna Kamineni, PhD, MPHAssistant Investigator |
![]() Cara C. Lewis, PhDSenior Investigator |
![]() Jennifer B. McClure, PhDDirector, Investigative Science |
![]() Ellen O'Meara, PhDPrincipal Collaborative Scientist |
![]() Lorella Palazzo, PhDCollaborative Scientist |
![]() Gaia Pocobelli, PhDCollaborative Scientist |
![]() Rod L. Walker, MSSenior Collaborative Biostatistician |
![]() Robert D. Wellman, MSSenior Collaborative Biostatistician |
![]() Karen Wernli, PhDAssociate Investigator |
![]() Onchee Yu, MSSenior Collaborative Biostatistician |
![]() Weiwei Zhu, MSSenior Collaborative Biostatistician |
![]() Yu-Ru Su, PhDAssistant Biostatistics Investigator |
![]() Brian D. Williamson, PhDAssistant Biostatistics Investigator |
![]() Noorie Hyun, PhDAssistant Biostatistics Investigator |
![]() Pamela A. Shaw, PhD, MSSenior Biostatistics Investigator |
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