kvijay04
commented
2 days ago Hello, I think this project proposal has a very useful application in the real world. Cancer is a very deadly disease, and I think that an application that helps prevent is inherently valuable. Additionally, I am very well-versed in coding in python, so I would be able to comfortable fit into this project.
I would personally prefer to work on this project, as I have a lot of experience using python for data visualization, especially matplotlib and seaborn. Additionally, I think that I could greatly contribute to data manipulation and analysis, which could help create a more precise and accurate application. Additionally, because of my experience as a research assistant, I am already knowledgeable of many of the terminology in this field, so I would not need very much training in that regard either. These are the main reasons I think I could greatly contribute to the backend, so I hope you consider me for this project
Cancer Risk Calculator: A Novel Application for Tracking Cancer Risk and Preventative Habits
Project Abstract
This document proposes a novel application for a patient-facing web application to assess personal risk factors for cancer development. The user will be able to create an account, and enter data such as age, sex, race, genetic information, and lifestyle factors to determine risk as compared to a typical person of the same age and sex. The application will then provide personalized tips for decreasing risk through preventative measures. It will also provide an interface to track the proposed new habits to lower risk over time.
Conceptual Design
The backend will be programmed using Python. The actual algorithmic calculation of risk will be done in Python referencing the Harvard Cancer Risk report[1] and the relative risk estimates contained within it. Libraries that will be utilized include matplotlib for risk visualization and Sqlite for an embedded backend database to store user data. The frontend framework could be developed using a React framework, or using Python with a framework like Shiny. The preventative information will be sourced from the health.gov APIs.
Proof of Concept
Link to the POC Git Repository: https://github.com/molly-pop/cancerRisk_POC
Background
The web application default will be a text box explaining the nature of the app as a cancer risk calculator and preventative health tracker. It will prompt the user to log in or create an account.
On account creation, they will be prompted to ‘Begin’ the calculator, where they will then click through a form and input data regarding their personal information and habits. At the end of the form, the user will submit, and then be shown a graph containing their risk relative a typical person of the same age and sex, and then be given insight into the preventative measures they can take to minimize their risk going forward. An existing user will be directed to this ending screen showing their risk & preventative measures on login. There will be a separate tab, where the user can input current data on preventative measures they have been implementing, which will load into a chart with a timescale and risk assessment. This will show the user how much they’ve been decreasing their risk over time by incorporating new habits.
This proposed product is similar to the Washington University in St. Louis Siteman Cancer Center calculator [2], and to other disease risk calculators by the NIH, National Cancer Institute, etc. [3], but includes a novel option to track your risk over time with a user account. It will also be more friendly to updates given the use of relevant frameworks and libraries as opposed to the more archaic development seen on many government websites.
Required Resources
No extended hardware beyond a laptop will be necessary for the development of this project. The required software resources have been outlined above in separate sections, but include several programming languages and libraries. The source material for risk assessment is outlined in the above sections but includes data from Harvard, the Siteman Cancer Center, the NIH, and the National Cancer Institute among others.
Project Slide: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/14An7ddSVnjTQsoMoaLK_l0eM8r6JMT3iIehhI91WQkI/edit?usp=sharing
Bibliography
[1]Siteman Cancer Center, “Your Disease Risk - Prevention - Siteman Cancer Center,” Siteman Cancer Center, 2017. Available: https://siteman.wustl.edu/prevention/ydr/ [2]G. A. Colditz et al., “Harvard report on cancer prevention volume 4: Harvard Cancer Risk Index. Risk Index Working Group, Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention,” Cancer Causes and Control, vol. 11, no. 6, pp. 477–488, 2000, doi: https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1008984432272 [3]National Cancer Institute, “Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool,” Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool, 2019. Available: https://bcrisktool.cancer.gov/ [4]“APIs for Developers | health.gov,” health.gov. Available: https://health.gov/our-work/national-health-initiatives/health-literacy/consumer-health-content/free-web-content/apis-developers