Dr. Mary Anne Rossing

The primary focus of my research is the epidemiology of ovarian cancer. I am currently involved in studies of ovarian cancer risk in relation to use of exogenous hormones and other environmental factors. Some of my studies assess the impact of use of ovulation-inducing agents as treatment for female infertility. In other studies, I am examining the role of hormone replacement therapy, and, in particular, the impact of progestins on ovarian cancer risk. Little is known about environmental factors that may influence ovarian cancer risk, although international differences in incidence rates suggest that environmental influences may be involved. In ongoing research, I am examining whether sunlight exposure may influence ovarian cancer risk. In the future, I hope to explore the interrelation of environmental and hormonal factors with genetic susceptibility to ovarian cancer. The overall goal of my ovarian cancer research is to contribute to a better understanding of pathogenic mechanisms of epithelial ovarian cancer, and to provide information eventually leading to new means of reducing the occurrence of this disease.

I am also interested in research to reduce the impact of treatment-related adverse outcomes among cancer survivors. Lymphedema of the arm is a common, yet dreaded consequence of breast cancer treatment that can result in substantial functional impairment and distress. While axillary surgery and radiation treatment are known to increase risk of lymphedema, the impact of other factors is less clear. The goal of my ongoing lymphedema research is to assess the relation of risk of arm lymphedema with modifiable factors such as weight gain, physical activity, smoking, and breast reconstruction.

A relatively new area of my research is the study of genetic influences on smoking behavior. As an initial project, I am examining the influence of a series of candidate genes involved in nicotine-related metabolism and neurotransmission on the ability to successfully quit smoking.