Life course and trans-generational influences on cardiovascular disease and cancer (360G-Wellcome-081021_Z_06_Z)

CVD and cancer are major causes of death and morbidity in developed countries; they are assuming increasing importance in non-industrialised societies. Risk factors measured in middle- and older-age do not fully explain socioeconomic or geographical differentials in these chronic diseases, so implicating processes occurring earlier in life, and even between generations, in the aetiology of CVD and cancer. A small number of recent studies have identified some potential pre-adult risk indices for later CVD and cancer. I plan to expand this evidence base by examining the role of new and emerging physiological, behavioural, socioeconomic and psychological risk factors (and their cross-generation transmission) in later disease risk. To do so I will utilise data from a series of studies from low and high income countries. During the tenure of the fellowship, in collaboration with colleagues, I will produce manuscripts for publications in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals; present my work at international meetings; supervise/teach post-graduate students; and seek funding for further data collection in selected studies. This body of work may be used in interventions in childhood and young adults aimed at reducing the burden of CVD and cancer in later life.