Loughborough University

Avoiding Cancer Cells via Unbiased Resampling from Annual Tabulated Electronic screening data (ACCURATE)

Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom

Course overview

In this project, we aim to use biostatistical and AI tools to identify key risk factors that protect specific cancer-free individuals from developing cancer compared with individuals at high risk. Typically, this group is unlikely to be found, let alone to be observed longitudinally. The ACCURATE project aims to identify cancer avoiders from population-level cancer screening data that contains health, social status, lifestyle, and genetics-related information.

Our approach will address why some high-risk groups will be cancer-free and how they’re ageing with a lower incidence rate of cancer. By constructing longitudinal observations, we can monitor, identify and study a cancer-free cohort, ultimately helping to devise cancer prevention strategies for the general population. To complete the project, several steps are essential: First, collect and clean the datasets, potentially candidates include the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data in the US, which contains information on cancer patients from 1973.

In addition, the National Family Health Survey data from India, starting from 1992, also includes blood analysis information. There might also be other suitable datasets to explore. Second, merge the datasets using different algorithms, including matching algorithms, deep learning, and probabilistic linkage.

Third, the merged dataset will be analysed using various biostatistical and AI techniques. The convenience and snowball sampling methods might be needed, as might subsampling. During the process, novel approaches will be developed to mitigate complex patterns (e.g., incomplete observations, competing risks, internal consistency across different countries and participants, issues arising from fuzzy matching in the multimodal data).

The outcome will lead to the developing of novel multidisciplinary techniques and decent publications. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021

Key highlights

  • Use biostatistical and AI tools to study cancer-free high-risk individuals
  • Work with population screening data including US SEER records from 1973
  • Explore India's National Family Health Survey data with blood analysis
  • Merge datasets using matching algorithms, deep learning and probabilistic linkage
  • Develop novel methods for incomplete observations, competing risks and fuzzy matching
  • 94% of research impact rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:1 — 2:1

Scholarships

  • Alumni Bursary

    10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

    Up to 10% of fees

  • Alumni Discount

    UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.

  • Care Leaver's Scholarship

  • Excellence Scholarships

    UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

  • International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary

    Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).

    Up to £12,000

  • London 10th Anniversary Award

    £5,000 off tuition fees.

    Up to £5,000

  • Loughborough Business School Scholarship

    £1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

  • MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship

    50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

    Up to 50% of fees

  • Qatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship

Careers this course leads to

  • Biostatistician
  • Cancer epidemiologist
  • Health data scientist
  • Postdoctoral research fellow
  • Machine learning scientist in healthcare
  • University lecturer in statistics

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,238 | International: £23,100

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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