Grant: Doctoral Award - Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarships

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and deadly cancers in Canada. In particular, Aboriginal Canadians have a higher risk of developing CRC than the rest of Canadians and this inequality is worsening over time. While lifestyle differences, such as higher smoking and lower fruit/vegetable consumption by Aboriginal Canadians, explain part of the cancer risk difference, the major underlying causes remain largely unknown. Aboriginal Canadians tended to consume less folate in their diet than the rest of Canadians and this might contribute to the CRC risk difference. However, research findings on folate and its relationship with CRC development were not straightforward. One set of studies showed people who consumed more folate had lower CRC risk while another set of studies indicated that folate might actually increase people's risk of developing CRC. To adequately understand the role folate plays in CRC genesis in Aboriginal Canadians, I propose an observational study using a comprehensive approach not only looking at individual risk factors, but also at their intricate interactions and pathways. Canadians who have developed CRC and those who have not developed CRC will participate in a comprehensive survey (i.e. on folate, diet, smoking, etc) and provide buccal sample for genetic analysis. The interactions of folate will be examined in relation to other important factors such as lifestyle, social, geographic, dietary, and genetic. The results will likely answer crucial questions as to what optimal dosage and timing of folate intake will best minimize the risk of CRC in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians. The diverse target audience could be benefited from this study includes Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians, policy makers, health professionals and researchers. The knowledge from the study could lead to more effective public recommendations and government policies on folate intake and this might prevent a vast number of CRC from occurring.