Australian and European researchers will collaborate in determining whether the virus most commonly associated with cervical cancer, Human Papilloma Virus, also plays some role in the development of non-melanoma skin cancer.
Federal Health and Ageing Minister, Senator Kay Patterson, today announced $300,000 in National Health and Medical Research Council funding for the Queensland arm of the project.
"Non-melanoma skin cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australia," Senator Patterson explained.
"According to statistics gathered by the National Cancer Control Initiative (based on 1995 rates and 2001 population figures), 315,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer were diagnosed in Australia in 2001.1 More men than women appear to develop the cancer.
"Well-known Queensland epidemiologist, Professor Adele Green and her team, along with researchers in Europe, will test the hypothesis that while the Human Papilloma Virus is commonly carried on the skin, exposure to sunlight might suppress the immune system to an extent that cancer can develop.
"This is a very interesting study and its outcomes will benefit not only Australians but will be of great interest overseas," Senator Patterson said.
The grant, made available through the National Health and Medical Research Council, is part of an Australian-European Union Agreement enabling Australian involvement in collaborative research projects. The Queensland proposal was successful after being rigorously peer-reviewed in Europe.
The two-year project, based at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, will recruit 600 people from Brisbane, Rockhampton and Townsville and is expected to commence next year.
1Staples, MP, Marks,R, Giles GG, 1998, Trends in the incidence of non-melanocytic skin cancer (NMSC) treated in Australia 1985-1995: are primary prevention programs starting to have an effect?: Int J Cancer, v. 78, p. 144-148.