Prof. Dr. Jürgen Wahrendorf

The Unit of Environmental Epidemiology primarily covers two fields of research, the impact of physical activity on cancer and the investigation of risk factors for brain tumors.
Physical activity is increasingly recognized as important, modifiable lifestyle factor in the battle against cancer. Thus, the group investigates the protective effects of physical activity and related concepts (fitness, muscle strength) on risk and prognosis of various cancer sites (primary and tertiary prevention). Furthermore, methodological research on physical activity assessment is performed, as well as studies on possible biological mechanisms by which the positive effects are mediated. The group participates in several large-scale national and international observational studies and leads several randomized sport intervention trials for cancer patients.
The brain tumor study group investigates the influence of environmental factors (like electromagnetic fields, mobile phones), occupational factors (chemicals, metals, noise) and medical factors on the development of brain tumors within the frame of large cross-sectional and longitudinal studies (Interphone, Interocc, EPIC). One focus is on the exposure of ionizing radiation in diagnosis and therapy but also on the influence of other diseases and possible inverse relationships of immunological factors (IgE) and allergic diseases (asthma, hay fever, eczema) on the development of brain tumors.

The group physical activity and cancer will continue to study the relevance of physical activity in the primary prevention of cancer and will support the implementation of public health interventions. Therefore, determinants for and the impact of an inactive lifestyle in the general population will be investigated. In clinical epidemiology, the group will continue to perform high-quality intervention studies and develop exercise strategies for cancer patients to broaden the evidence base and to improve quality of life, reduce risk of recurrence and cancer mortality and reduce therapy- and cancer-related side effects (such as fatigue) in cancer patients.
As up to now no studies have been able to identify major risk factors, besides ionizing radiation, for brain tumors like glioma and meningioma, brain tumor epidemiology will concentrate in future on the research of synergistic effects of various environmental factors. The main focus will be on the influence of electromagnetic fields on the effect of occupational exposures (solvents, metals, noise, and ionizing radiation). Data of a large international study will be used. Furthermore, risk factors for the development of acoustic neuroma will be investigated.