The primary purpose of the WA Cancer Prevention Research Unit (WACPRU) is to build the evidence base relating to cancer prevention through improvements in lifestyle behaviours that are known to be associated with cancer risk.
WACPRU focuses on lifestyle behaviours to prevent cancer risk.
Alcohol
Alcohol consumption is cited as a causal factor in over 200 disease and injury outcomes, both chronic and acute, yet worldwide per capita consumption is increasing. WACPRU collaborates with researchers from various national and international institutions to increase awareness of the risks and minimise the harms associated with alcohol consumption in the general population. Recent successes include Healthway funding granted to Simone Pettigrew and Michelle Jongenelis to assess individuals’ engagement in responsible drinking practices.
Professor Pettigrew’s work primarily focuses on changing lifestyle behaviours and environments to improve health outcomes in the areas of nutrition, physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking cessation, and sun exposure.
Dr Jongenelis’ research focus is in the area of mental and physical health promotion with specific issues of interest including alcohol consumption, tobacco and e-cigarette use, and ageing.
Nutrition
The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity is a major global health challenge. Poor diet and nutrition have been highlighted as key modifiable factors that play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of obesity.
Poor diet and nutrition play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of obesity.
WACPRU is currently collaborating with researchers nationally and internationally to assess the effectiveness of Australia’s new front-of-pack labelling system – the Health Star Rating. WACPRU also conducts research examining the diets of specific groups within the population that require special attention such as children and older adults.
Dr Zenobia Talati’s research examines how consumers process the many pieces of nutrition information provided on food packages and how changing the way this information is displayed can lead to healthier food choices.
Ms Myers is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and researcher working in the area of public health. Her research focuses on the nutrition attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours of children and older adults.
Professor Pettigrew’s work primarily focuses on changing lifestyle behaviours and environments to improve health outcomes in the areas of nutrition, physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking cessation, and sun exposure.
Dr Jongenelis’ research focus is in the area of mental and physical health promotion with specific issues of interest including alcohol consumption, tobacco and e-cigarette use, and ageing.
Tobacco
Tobacco smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable illness and premature death globally. While tobacco control efforts have been successful at reducing the prevalence of smoking rates, further interventions are required to ensure continued progress in this space. WACPRU works closely with the Make Smoking History team at Cancer Council WA to ensure their mass media campaigns are effective at encouraging smokers to quit. WACPRU also collaborates with researchers from other institutions, both in WA and nationally, to assess attitudes towards the emerging phenomenon of electronic cigarettes. Simone Pettigrew currently holds a Healthway grant to investigate options for the development of smoking cessation programs to assist disadvantaged smokers.
Dr Jongenelis’ research focus is in the area of mental and physical health promotion with specific issues of interest including alcohol consumption, tobacco and e-cigarette use, and ageing.
Professor Pettigrew’s work primarily focuses on changing lifestyle behaviours and environments to improve health outcomes in the areas of nutrition, physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking cessation, and sun exposure.
Ms Parnell’s research interests are in reducing smoking rates among disadvantaged populations and increasing sun protective behaviours among school-aged children.
Ms Rai’s research focuses on the promotion of healthy ageing.
Sun exposure
The incidence of skin cancer is especially high in Australia due to the high levels of ultraviolet radiation that characterise the Australian environment. WACPRU works closely with the SunSmart team at Cancer Council WA to identify and explore opportunities to encourage individuals to minimise their risk of skin cancer by adopting effective sun protection behaviours.
WACPRU encourages effective sun protection behaviours.
A Healthway grant has been awarded to Simone Pettigrew to assess the potential for UV meters to increase engagement in sun protection behaviours in high school students.
Professor Pettigrew’s work primarily focuses on changing lifestyle behaviours and environments to improve health outcomes in the areas of nutrition, physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking cessation, and sun exposure.
Ms Parnell’s research interests are in reducing smoking rates among disadvantaged populations and increasing sun protective behaviours among school-aged children.
Dr Jongenelis’ research focus is in the area of mental and physical health promotion with specific issues of interest including alcohol consumption, tobacco and e-cigarette use, and ageing.
