AACR Special Conference: The Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology of Cancer.

Introduction The AACR Special Conference on The Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology of Cancer was held January 18–23, 2003 at Waikoloa, Hawaii. Approximately 400 attendees from around the world heard state-of-the-art talks, many with new data on methods and applications. A range of sessions covered epidemiological, statistical, and laboratory methods; genetic susceptibility and human biomonitoring; intermediate endpoints; cancer interventions; biorepositories; ethics; and the impact of molecular epidemiology on other fields. In addition, 129 posters were presented, and participants benefited from both scientific sessions and the widespread, often animated informal discussions. Carl Barrett opened the conference with the keynote address, reminding us that molecular epidemiology is not just about germ-line and somatic genetic changes and that other key concepts and processes, such as epigenetics and apoptosis, play critical roles in pathways of carcinogenesis.