She studies the genetic basis of breast and prostate cancer, the two most common cancers of women and men.
Epidemiology is the study of disease incidence in defined populations.
Studies of this nature have provided solid evidence that supports the existence of hereditary forms of prostate and breast cancers. One of the findings that has emerged from the Human Genome Project is that brothers of men with prostate cancer have a significantly higher risk of that disease as compared to affected fathers. Our research has suggested that there is a susceptibility locus on the X chromosome, which boys inherit from their mothers. Studies such as those conducted by Baffoe-Bonnie are important methods for determining if there is a genetic link to specific forms of cancer. In families where multiple cancers occur at a higher than expected rate, studies of this nature may provide significant clues in identifying syndromes that predispose individuals to developing more than one type of cancer.