Applied Math Talk: Solving Complex Public Health Problems—Cancer, Obesity and Aging (Jessica Dehart, CGU)

Abstract: Remember smoking? What’s the new public health problem? In the US, we are currently entangled within three converging and intertwined complex problems: Cancer, Obesity, Aging. There are over 16 million cancer survivors living in the US as we speak. Over 50% of our society is overweight and/obese. Our society is aging and the age distribution is much older than a few years back. Cancer, obesity and aging share several risk factors, biological mechanisms and patterns. Given the multidimensionality and complexity of these issues, only a transdisciplinary approach will have the best chances of success in sustaining a health society. This talk will discuss the problems and potential transdisciplinary approaches—including math—to finding successful solutions.