School Notes: School of Public Health
September/October 2014

Aspirin may lower cancer risk

The longer a person takes low-dose aspirin, the lower his or her risk for developing pancreatic cancer, according to a study led by Harvey A. Risch, professor of epidemiology in the Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, which was published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. “We found that the use of low-dose aspirin was associated with cutting the risk of pancreatic cancer in half, with some evidence that the longer low-dose aspirin was used, the lower the risk,” said Risch. “Because about one in 60 adults will get pancreatic cancer and the five-year survival rate is less than 5 percent, it is crucial to find ways to prevent this disease.” Men and women who took low-dose aspirin regularly had a 48 percent reduction in their risk for developing pancreatic cancer. 

Accelerated MBA/MPH program

The first group of students in Yale’s new accelerated MBA/MPH in health-care management started its studies in July with YSPH summer session courses in epidemiology, biostatistics, and other core courses. The program—the first of its kind nationally—offers an intensive curriculum with core courses from each school as well as electives, allowing students to earn master’s degrees from the Schools of Public Health and Management in just 22 months. Students also participate in SOM’s two-week international experience and a YSPH summer internship in the health-care industry. The program is designed for highly motivated students who are seeking a strong management foundation in the specialized field of health care. The traditional joint-degree program takes three academic years to complete.

Funding renewed for HIV training

A training program that prepares the next generation of scientists specializing in HIV prevention research will continue through its 20th anniversary with a $2.5 million federal grant. The five-year grant from the National Institute of Mental Health will fund the Interdisciplinary HIV Prevention Training Program through 2019, equipping young researchers with the skills needed to address the evolving challenges posed by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Professor Jeannette Ickovics has served as director throughout the program’s 15-year history at Yale, and recently handed the leadership to Trace Kershaw, associate professor at YSPH and a former fellow of the HIV-training program. The program has trained 50 pre- and postdoctoral fellows, including many from underrepresented backgrounds and from a broad array of disciplines.