Genetic History of Latin America and Its Implications for Cancer Patterns in the Region

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Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers account for approximately one-third of cancer-related deaths worldwide, while breast cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers globally. Understanding the contribution of genetic susceptibility to cancer risk is therefore critical for improving early detection strategies and enabling more personalised treatment approaches.

This seminar will provide an overview of how epidemiology, genetics, and genomics have been used to characterise patterns of GI and breast cancers in Latin American populations. The talk will also highlight how emerging analytical approaches, including machine learning methods, can be leveraged to improve colorectal cancer risk prediction and inform precision prevention strategies.

Biography:

Dr Luis G. Carvajal-Carmona is Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Advancing Mentoring and the Professoriate and Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at the University of California, Davis.

He earned his Ph.D. at University College London and completed postdoctoral training at the London Research Institute and the University of Oxford. A leading expert in cancer genetics, epidemiology, health disparities, and global health, Dr. Carvajal-Carmona has identified multiple cancer susceptibility genes and published more than 120 peer-reviewed papers in journals such as Nature Genetics, Gastroenterology, AJHG, Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, and PNAS.

His work has advanced the understanding of Latino genetic ancestry, colorectal cancer risk, and hereditary gastric cancer. He has received major awards and fellowships from the European Association for Cancer Research, the University of Oxford, the University of California, the V Foundation, and was inducted into the Atlas of Inspiring Latinx/Hispanic Scientists.

He advises the University of California, the California Cancer Registry, NIH, AACR, and several national research initiatives. A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Carvajal-Carmona is deeply committed to mentoring. His trainees, many of whom are also first-generation students, have earned more than 60 fellowships and awards, reflecting his impact as both a scientist and mentor.