Cancer Control Program

Overview | Leaders | Members | Research | Publications | Activities

 

Program Overview

As one of two population science research programs at Lombardi, the goal of the Cancer Control (CC) Program is to conduct research designed to better understand the determinants of cancer behaviors and outcomes and to reduce the burden of cancer in individuals, populations, and society. CC researchers conduct innovative behavioral, community and health services research. The nature of this research provides fertile ground for intra- and inter-programmatic collaboration. CC researchers collaborate with Lombardi scientists with complimentary expertise such as epidemiologists, ethicists, and policy experts. Thus, our study of complex behaviors is facilitated by the multiple disciplines represented by our faculty and the benefits provided by working in a comprehensive cancer center.

Recent scientific policy accomplishments include leading a national modeling effort to inform the United States Preventive Services Task Force breast cancer screening guidelines and publishing several editorials on the quality of cancer care. Our group was also the first to publish research on the impact of genetic testing for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and demonstrated that such testing impacted patient treatment choices with no unintended adverse outcomes; this work is guiding clinical practice.

The CC Program conducts research across the entire spectrum of multidisciplinary translational cancer control research from prevention to treatment and survivorship and end of life care. The specific aims are:

Aim 1: To study the complex determinants of cancer-related health behaviors, healthcare utilization, and outcomes along the spectrum of cancer control.

Aim 2: To use this knowledge to develop and test clinical and behavior change interventions designed to reduce the burden of cancer in individuals, communities and populations.

Aim 3: To disseminate these results to inform clinical practice and health policy debates about the most effective and cost-effective methods to improve cancer outcomes in diverse groups.