About Us

The Trentham-Dietz Lab focuses on breast cancer prevention, early detection, and outcomes.  We use novel and traditional epidemiologic approaches in our studies complemented by methods drawing from health services research and simulation modeling.  We conduct research concerning breast cancer prevention and detection by focusing on 1) modifiable lifestyle factors including obesity, physical activity, and environmental exposures to better understand breast cancer etiology and reveal avenues for prevention; 2) ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast which, often detected through mammography, is a non-obligate precursor for invasive breast cancer; and 3) simulation modeling of breast cancer to examine risk-based approaches for improving the balance of benefits and harms of screening. We collaborate with scientists throughout Wisconsin and the U.S. as well as breast cancer survivors including the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC), the Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program (BCERP), and the Cancer Intervention Simulation Modeling Network (CISNET).