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Minisymposium Presentation
Unveiling the Tapestry: Exploring the Crucial Role of Social Determinants of Health in Cancer Research
Presenter
Dr. Sally Ellingson, an Assistant Professor in Biomedical Informatics, works with the Cancer Research Informatics Shared Resource Facility of the University of Kentucky’s Markey Cancer Center. She is a computational scientist working at the intersection of computational biology, informatics, and high-performance computing. She has undergraduate degrees in computer science and mathematics from Florida Institute of Technology. She obtained her doctoral degree at the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory under a fellowship funded by the National Science Foundation in computational biology. Dr. Ellingson engages in mentoring and outreach, especially for underrepresented groups in computational sciences.
Description
This talk delves into the often underestimated yet pivotal role that social determinants of health (SDOH) play in the landscape of cancer research. Beyond the cellular and genetic intricacies, the broader context of an individual's life can significantly influence cancer outcomes. We will unravel the interconnected web of socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental factors that shape health disparities and impact cancer incidence, progression, and treatment responses. By acknowledging and understanding these determinants, we can pave the way for more inclusive and effective approaches in cancer research, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between biological factors and the diverse environments in which individuals live.