Clinical Epidemiology of Early Cancer Detection

  • Epidemiology, Public Health, Prevention and Survivorship
Dr. Sigrid Carlsson

Dr. Sigrid Carlsson

Head of Division

The Clinical Epidemiology of Early Cancer Detection Division’s main areas of research include clinical cancer epidemiology, epidemiology of chronic age-related diseases and epidemiological methods.

The image illustrates the human digestive system, focusing on the large intestine, which is depicted in a highlighted section. A silhouetted figure representing the human body is shown alongside the enlarged view of the large intestine, emphasizing its location within the body.

Our Research

We conduct population-based research to improve cancer prevention, early detection and long-term outcomes. A central focus is the development and evaluation of risk stratified screening strategies that tailor screening, diagnostic intensity and follow-up to individual risk profiles.

Colorectal and prostate cancer are major focus areas of the division. In colorectal cancer, we study screening strategies, participation, implementation and downstream outcomes to inform organized population-based programs. In prostate cancer, our research similarly spans the entire pathway from risk assessment and screening to diagnosis, treatment decisions and long-term outcomes, with particular emphasis on reducing overdiagnosis and overtreatment while maintaining favorable outcomes and quality-of-life.

The division also conducts early detection and outcomes research in breast cancer, lung cancer and other malignancies, and addresses multi-cancer early detection approaches. In parallel, we carry out epidemiological studies of chronic age-related diseases, reflecting the growing importance of multimorbidity and functional outcomes in aging populations.

Our research is anchored in large prospective population-based cohort studies with long-term follow-up, enriched with clinical data, questionnaires, and molecular and biomarker measurements including tumor heterogeneity research. We work in close collaboration with clinical partners, basic scientists and cancer registries, enabling translational research across the full continuum from risk assessment to population-level implementation.

We conduct observational studies, randomized controlled trials and use advanced epidemiologic and biostatistical methods, with direct implications for health policy, guideline development and implementation.

Our Projects

A purple outline of the name "ESTHER" is prominently displayed over a light gray, abstract map shape. The design emphasizes the text, making it the focal point of the image.

Epidemiologic study assessing chances of prevention and early detection of various chronic diseases including cancer among older adults
Part I
Population-based longitudinal study including about 10,000 older adults

(PI: Prof. Dr. Ben Schöttker)

More about ESTHER

 

Team

  • Employee image

    Dr. Sigrid Carlsson

    Head of Division

  • Employee image

    Evelyn Nizik

    Secretary

Our team

Selected Publications

2023 - Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol.
2019 - JAMA
All publications of C070

Awards

2025

H.Brenner, M. Hoffmeister, T. Heißer, I. Ola, D. Sergeev, T. Seum, Darmkrebs-Präventionspreis der Stiftung Lebensblicke

All awards

Downloads

On this page we provide resources for download that have been developed by members of our divison or that we refer to in publications.

Go to Downloads

Get in touch with us

Employee image

Evelyn Nizik

Secretary

Postal address:

Klinische Epidemiologie der Krebsfrüherkennung (C070) Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum Im Neuenheimer Feld 581 69120 Heidelberg
Form

Form data is loaded ...