Dimitrios Trichopoulos

Dimitrios Trichopoulos

Dimitrios Trichopoulos

Dimitrios Trichopoulos (1938 – 2014) was a prominent Greek epidemiologist known for his groundbreaking research in the field of cancer epidemiology. He made significant contributions to understanding the links between lifestyle factors and cancer risk, particularly in relation to breast cancer and liver cancer.

Early Life and Education

Dimitrios Trichopoulos was born in Volos, Greece, in 1938. He pursued his medical education at the University of Athens, where he received his MD degree. Trichopoulos furthered his studies in public health and epidemiology at Harvard University, where he earned a MPH and a ScD.

Career

Trichopoulos began his career in Greece, where he worked at the Hellenic Cancer Society. He later joined the faculty at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where he served as a professor and eventually became the Vincent L. Gregory Professor of Cancer Prevention.

Research Contributions

Trichopoulos is best known for his research on the role of hormones in the development of breast cancer. He was among the first to propose that estrogen exposure in utero could influence breast cancer risk later in life. His work on the Mediterranean diet also highlighted its protective effects against various chronic diseases, including cancer.

In addition to his work on breast cancer, Trichopoulos conducted significant research on the relationship between hepatitis B infection and liver cancer, contributing to the understanding of viral oncogenesis.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Trichopoulos received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to epidemiology and public health. He was elected to the Academy of Athens and was a member of several prestigious scientific organizations, including the American Epidemiological Society.

Personal Life

Trichopoulos was married to Antonia Trichopoulou, a fellow epidemiologist and collaborator in many of his research projects. Together, they advanced the study of the Mediterranean diet and its health benefits.

Legacy

Dimitrios Trichopoulos left a lasting impact on the field of epidemiology through his innovative research and dedication to public health. His work continues to influence studies on cancer prevention and the role of lifestyle factors in disease development.

Related Pages

• Epidemiology
• Cancer prevention
• Mediterranean diet
• Breast cancer
• Liver cancer