Dr. Michael Thun is a distinguished cancer epidemiologist whose career has profoundly shaped our understanding of cancer risk factors and prevention strategies through rigorous population-based research. He served as Vice President of Epidemiology and Surveillance Research at the American Cancer Society from 1998 until his retirement at the end of 2012, subsequently assuming the title of Vice President Emeritus. A veteran of three years of military service as an Army medic, he earned his bachelor's degree from Harvard College in 1970, medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1975, and master's degree in epidemiology from the Harvard School of Public Health in 1983. His professional journey included significant roles at the New Jersey Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control before joining the American Cancer Society in 1989 as Director of Analytic Epidemiology.
Dr. Thun's groundbreaking epidemiological research has significantly advanced the scientific community's understanding of modifiable cancer risk factors, particularly through his leadership in analyzing the American Cancer Society's large cohort studies including Cancer Prevention Study 2. His collaborative work with the late Dr. Jeanne Calle produced nine highly influential studies that each surpassed 1,000 citations, fundamentally reshaping knowledge about the relationship between aspirin use and cancer risk, the adverse health effects of obesity, and evolving tobacco-related cancer risks. Over his 23-year tenure at the Society, he authored or co-authored more than 400 peer-reviewed scientific publications, including ten in the New England Journal of Medicine and over 40 in other high-impact journals such as JAMA, Lancet, and Nature. This extensive body of research has provided critical evidence for public health recommendations regarding cancer prevention through lifestyle modifications and risk factor reduction.
Beyond his research contributions, Dr. Thun has significantly influenced global cancer prevention efforts through his service on numerous advisory committees for prestigious organizations including the Institute of Medicine, World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, National Research Council, National Cancer Institute, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Currently serving as an adjunct professor at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health and Winship Cancer Center, he continues to contribute his expertise to the next generation of public health researchers. His methodological rigor and commitment to translating research into public health practice have established standards that continue to guide cancer prevention research worldwide. Dr. Thun's legacy endures through the enduring impact of his work on tobacco control policies, dietary recommendations, and cancer prevention guidelines that continue to save lives globally.
