Esther K. Wei

Dr. Wei and her colleagues are developing new statistical models of colorectal cancer that incorporate the effects of timing of individuals’ exposures to risk factors. The overall goal is to target prevention efforts to the appropriate populations. She is investigating the association between energy balance and the risk of colorectal cancer, especially the relationship between early life body size and the risk of developing colorectal polyps in adulthood. Using polytomous logistic regression, Dr. Wei compared risk factors for colon and rectal cancer in two large prospective cohort studies. She is using new statistical methods to expand and validate comprehensive models of colorectal cancer incidence (accounting for known risk factors), and evaluating by sub-site within the colon. This work will provide insights into the interplay between risk factors and the possibility of site-specific associations, and help develop personalized prevention strategies and screening recommendations. Dr. Wei’s ongoing research will examine associations between shift-work, sleep duration, melatonin levels and the risk of colorectal adenoma, using data from the Harvard Nurses’ Health Study.