Joshua Demb, PhD, MPH

Dr. Joshua Demb is an assistant professor in the Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences at University of California, San Diego. Dr. Demb’s research interests are at the intersection of cancer epidemiology and health services research. Over the last 10 years, Dr. Demb has focused on the overlapping roles of cancer screening and diagnostic work-up to maximize early cancer detection, particularly among adults under age 50 at risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). His current NIH-funded research seeks an optimal CRC screening strategy among adults ages 45-49. He is leading a pragmatic trial comparing mailed fecal immunochemical test outreach to mailed Cologuard outreach among adults ages 45-49. Dr. Demb is also investigating early CRC detection among at-risk adults ages 18-44 who present with potential red flag signs and symptoms, with the goal of risk stratifying these adults for more efficient and timely diagnostic work-up for CRC and other concerning gastrointestinal conditions.