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Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases & DNA studies (ECHIDNAs)
The Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study
Funded by the NHMRC, in conjunction with the Epidemiology Unit, Cancer Council of Victoria, the University of Sydney, and The University of Melbourne.
Co-Principle Investigator:
Professor Andrew Tonkin
Telephone: 03 990 30044
Fax: 03 990 30556
The Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (HEALTH 2000) is a longitudinal study established in the 1990s by the Anti- Cancer Council of Australia to investigate prospectively the role of diet and other lifestyle factors in cancer and diabetes.
Between 1990 and 1994, 41,500 people, (24,500 women and 17,000 men) aged 40-69 were recruited into the study. Approximately one third of participants are southern European migrants to Australia, who were deliberately over-sampled to extend the range of lifestyle exposures and to increase genetic variation. At baseline, lifestyle exposure information including dietary intake was collected in a face to face interview. Physical measurements, and blood pressure were also taken. A sample of blood was drawn and stored for analysis of DNA and other molecules of interest. The cohort has since been followed up by mailed questionnaire and by telephone to update lifestyle exposures and self-reports of non-cancer, non-fatal health events at 3-4 years after baseline.
The Cardiovascular Component of the Study
In 2002, the investigative team (in which Andrew Tonkin is a Chief Investigator) was awarded a NHMRC Program Grant to re-survey surviving participants and to expand the capture of outcomes of interest to include cardiovascular disease and the metabolic syndrome. Commencing this year, all participants of the cohort will be invited to attend the study centre to repeat the baseline measures and health survey at which they will be asked about any episodes of cardiovascular disease. Self reported events will be followed both actively and passively and finally adjudicated using an event verification committee.
Significance of the study
Through the use of data collected from this contemporary large cohort study, we aim to study the determinants of heart disease, with the aim of developing prediction tools applicable to the current Australian population, and which also incorporate a range of new risk factors. Results from this study will allow future patterns of heart disease to be accurately forcasted, which in turn permits preventive strategies to be utilised in a more effective manner.
Research Staff
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