Projects

Development and Evaluation of Effective Cancer Prevention Strategies

Cancer Risk Assessments and Recommendations for Japan
We systematically collect and analyse evidence on the association between lifestyle and environmental factors and cancer in the Japanese population. We provide comprehensive evaluations of these associations based on scientific evidence by integrating the evidence. We have identified six items with strong evidence and high priority for cancer prevention in Japan. These have been compiled into the “Evidence-based Cancer Prevention Recommendations for Japanese.” These recommendations are regularly reviewed and updated by expert panels to ensure that the latest, most effective strategies for cancer prevention are continuously delivered to the public.

Link to the project: https://epi.ncc.go.jp/en/can_prev/index.html

Building evidence through national and international pooled analysis
Single studies may have inconsistent findings or lack sufficient sample sizes to draw strong conclusions. To address these limitations and strengthen the scientific evidence, we lead pooled analyses among major Japanese cohort studies to provide necessary evidence for cancer prevention strategies in Japan.

We also actively participate in international cohort consortia to contribute to the global implementation of evidence-based cancer prevention strategies.

Estimating the Impact of Cancer Risk Factors in Japan

Japan has been seeing dynamic generational and age-related changes in the prevalence of key cancer risk factors, such as smoking and infections. To better understand and address cancer prevention in the present and future, the JAPAN PAF Project aims to comprehensively estimate the contribution of major cancer causes using the most up-to-date scientific evidence. Focusing on key lifestyle and environmental cancer risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, infections, obesity, diet, physical inactivity, and air pollution, we calculate the Population Attributable Fraction (PAF) to understand the burden a specific risk factor imposes on the population. The project provides crucial data to support effective, evidence-based cancer prevention strategies tailored for Japanese.

Strengthening Collaboration Across Asia Through Building Research Infrastructure Development

Asia Cohort Consortium (ACC)
The Asia Cohort Consortium (ACC) serves as a collaborative platform to promote the effective use of cohort studies in Asia and to support the development of new cohorts across the region. Currently, 45 cohorts from 10 Asian countries participate in the consortium, representing a large-scale research infrastructure covering over 2.3 million individuals.

The ACC Coordinating Center is located at our institute, facilitating research collaboration and harmonizing data analyses. In addition to supporting research coordination, the center provides training opportunities and analytical platforms for young researchers and students within the consortium, fostering the next generation of epidemiologist in Asia.

Link to the project: https://www.asiacohort.org/

Long-Term Follow-Up Study on the Effectiveness of Helicobacter pylori (H.Pylori)  Eradication in Preventing Stomach Cancer Among Middle-Aged and Older Japanese Adults

This project integrates data from ongoing large-scale Japanese cohort studies that have information on Helicobacter pylori (H.Pylori) infection status. By following those who are H.Pylori positive individuals over time, we aim to evaluate whether H.Pylori eradication therapy effectively reduces stomach cancer incidence, from both epidemiological and health economic aspects to provide comprehensive evidence.

Tokyo Gastric Cancer Screening Follow-Up Project

This long-term follow-up project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the stratified screening to reduce gastric cancer mortality and its cost-effectiveness by comparing the conventional gastric cancer screening method and the risk stratification approach based on a combination of serum pepsinogen and Helicobacter pylori antibody.  

Links to affiliated sites

Division of Prevention

https://epi.ncc.go.jp/en/index.html

Other　

Hiraka Project
https://epi.ncc.go.jp/en/hiraka/index.html