Obesity and cancer: improving cancer outcomes through intentional weight loss

Supervisors: Dr Dimitrios Koutoukidis; Professor Susan Jebb

Obesity is causally associated with at least 10 different types of cancer and contributes to higher morbidity and mortality among cancer survivors. It significantly increases the risk of post-operative complications and the risk of disease progression. This DPhil will provide an excellent opportunity to test dietary weight loss interventions aiming to improve the above outcomes. We are particularly interested in endometrial cancer, the cancer that is most strongly associated with obesity, and in prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men. However, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to focus on their cancer area of interest. We envisage that the applicant will adapt nutritionally-replete total diet replacement programmes that are currently being delivered within the NHS, but there will be scope for development and testing of other novel dietary interventions.

 The aims of this DPhil will be to

• Conduct a systematic review of weight loss and cancer outcomes 
• Run a pilot randomised trial to test the safety, feasibility, and acceptability of a weight loss intervention in patients with cancer and obesity
• Conduct a qualitative process evaluation to understand the experiences of patients during this intervention

This DPhil will suit an enthusiastic researcher with some relevant experience. Clinicians, nurses, dietitians, and allied health care professionals are particularly encouraged to apply. You will be part of the thriving Health Behaviours team and benefit from its expertise in developing and testing behavioural interventions to treat obesity and obesity-related diseases. 

Funding: Candidates will need to secure University or external scholarship. Promising candidates will be well supported by our team in these applications.