EPIC Centres

GERMANY

  Background | Follow-up | Scientists | Funding  | Activities 

German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
Heidelberg, Germany
http://www.epic-heidelberg.de

German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE)
Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Germany
http://www.dife.de/de/forschung/projekte/epic.php

Background

In Germany, two cohorts, at the German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE) in Potsdam (n = 27 548) and at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg (n = 25 540) are part of the Europe-wide EPIC project. Study participants in the age range 35—65 years were randomly recruited between 1994 and 1998 from the local general populations.
  Males Females Number of participants Percentage of EPIC cohort
Heidelberg 11 929 13 611 25 540 4.90%
Potsdam 10 904 16 644 27 548 5.28%
Germany 22 833 30 258 53 088 10.18%

Follow-up

Core elements of the follow-up procedures are harmonized between both centres. In 2013, the sixth follow-up wave was initiated in Heidelberg and Potsdam. In addition to an active follow-up by questionnaire, record linkage systems are being used to identify and ascertain incident cases of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and death. Notably, study physicians carry out a meticulous verification of incident diseases by detailed medical records in collaboration with treating physicians.

Scientists

Heidelberg

Principal Investigator

Professor Dr Rudolf Kaaks
Division of Cancer Epidemiology
German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
Heidelberg, Germany
Dr Renée Fortner
Division of Cancer Epidemiology
German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
Heidelberg, Germany
Anika Hüsing
Division of Cancer Epidemiology
German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
Heidelberg, Germany
Dr Verena Katzke
Division of Cancer Epidemiology
German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
Heidelberg, Germany
Dr Tilman Kühn
Division of Cancer Epidemiology
German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
Heidelberg, Germany
Dr Theron Johnson
Division of Cancer Epidemiology
German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
Heidelberg, Germany

Potsdam

Principal Investigator

Professor Dr Heiner Boeing
Department of Epidemiology
German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE)
Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Germany
Dr M. M. Bergmann
Department of Epidemiology
German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE)
Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Germany
Dr Brian Buijsse
Department of Epidemiology
German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE)
Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Germany
Dr Aleksandrova Krasimira
Department of Epidemiology
German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE)
Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Germany
Dr Annika Steffen
Department of Epidemiology
German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE)
Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Germany
PD Dr Cornelia Weikert
Department of Epidemiology / Cardiovascular Epidemiology
German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE)
Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Germany

Funding

Heidelberg

Financial support is provided by:
  • German Cancer Research Centre
  • Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Potsdam

Financial support is provided by:
  • German Cancer Aid (70-2488)
  • Federal Ministry of Education and Research


Research Activities

Heidelberg

  • Reproductive and hormonal factors and cancer risk
  • Body composition, metabolic factors, and cancer risk
  • Genetic and epigenetic factors and cancer risk
  • Nutrition-related lifestyle factors and cardiovascular disease risk
  • Absolute risk prediction models on cancer, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality.

Potsdam

  • Dietary assessment methodologies
  • The role of dietary behaviour for risk of chronic diseases
  • Food intake and food patterns
  • Meal patterns and metabolic rhythms
  • Diet, physical activity, and cardiorespiratory fitness
  • Anthropometric and metabolic parameters of obesity
  • Alcohol intake and cancer risk.