Cancer Control & Survivorship
The overall goal of the Cancer Control and Survivorship (CCS) program is to reduce the burden of cancer and cancer-related disparities from diagnosis and treatment through survivorship. This is done through specific aims that develop and apply measurement science, determine contextual and modifiable factors that contribute to healthy survivorship, and develop and implement effective interventions addressing those determinants. CCS aims are further enhanced by cross-cutting themes focused on work with diverse communities and application of digital health platforms. The CCS Program brings together transdisciplinary scientists to achieve these interrelated aims.
Scientific Aims
The objective of the program is to facilitate and focus research on secondary cancer control and survivorship within the Lurie Cancer Center. The specific goals are to:
- To improve the measurement, application, analysis and interpretation of patient reported outcomes (PROs) as they relate to treatment evaluations and improved patient-centered care
- To identify and understand multiple determinants (e.g., psychosocial, biological, and sociocultural) of health related quality of life (HRQoL) and other health outcomes during cancer survivorship, defined as a time that begins with the diagnosis of cancer
- To develop and implement biomedical and psychosocial interventions to promote cancer control and reduce acute and long-term effects of cancer and related therapies
Future Plans
- To deepen our strengths in patient-centered outcomes research and digital health platforms to drive discovery and implementation of supportive cancer care innovations
- Recruitment in biobehavioral oncology and symptom management
Program Leaders
- Christine Rini, PhD, is a social/health psychologist conducting research on factors influencing patients’ behavioral and psychosocial responses to health-related challenges
- Betina Yanez, PhD, is a clinical health psychologist whose research is focused on health equity and community-based research, evidence-based oncology research, and implementation of patient-engagement in cancer care.
Members
Members' interests and capabilities span many disciplines. Their integrated focus upon cancer control and survivorship promotes an environment of intra- and inter-program collaboration and productivity. Their areas of research include: measurement science, determinants of optimal survivorship including basic mechanisms, psychosocial interventions and educational program and symptom palliation.