Norman Breslow

Professor Norman E. Breslow, University of Washington

Norman Breslow was a prominent figure in the field of biostatistics, known for his contributions to the development of statistical methods for the analysis of cancer and other disease data. His work has had a significant impact on the field, influencing both research and clinical practices.

Biography

Norman Breslow was born in the early 20th century and pursued an academic career that led him to become one of the leading biostatisticians of his time. He obtained his academic degrees in statistics and later focused his research on medical applications, particularly in the study of cancer. Over his career, Breslow held positions at several prestigious institutions, where he worked on developing statistical models that have become standard tools in epidemiology and clinical research.

Contributions to Biostatistics

Breslow's contributions to biostatistics are vast, but he is perhaps best known for his work on the Cox proportional hazards model and the development of the Breslow estimator. His research has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of how statistical methods can be applied to the study of disease incidence and treatment efficacy.

Cox Proportional Hazards Model

The Cox proportional hazards model is a regression model widely used in the analysis of survival data. Breslow's work on this model helped to refine its application, making it more accessible and useful for researchers analyzing time-to-event data. His contributions are particularly noted in the area of handling tied event times, which are common in clinical data.

Breslow Estimator

The Breslow estimator is a method used in the analysis of survival data, particularly in the presence of tied event times. It is a modification of the Cox model that allows for more accurate estimation of survival probabilities. Breslow's development of this estimator has been crucial in the field of epidemiology, where precise measurement of risk factors and treatment effects is essential.

Legacy

Norman Breslow's legacy in the field of biostatistics is marked by his innovative approaches to statistical modeling and his commitment to applying statistical methods to real-world health problems. His work has not only advanced the field of biostatistics but has also had a profound impact on public health, improving the understanding of disease processes and the evaluation of treatments.

Selected Publications

Breslow authored and co-authored numerous influential papers and books throughout his career. His publications cover a wide range of topics within biostatistics and epidemiology, reflecting his broad interests and impact on the field.

Awards and Honors

Over his career, Norman Breslow received several awards and honors recognizing his contributions to biostatistics and public health. These accolades reflect his status as a leader in the field and his impact on the advancement of statistical methods in medicine.

See Also

• Biostatistics
• Epidemiology
• Cancer research
• Statistical model
• Cox proportional hazards model