Science and Research

CDC conducts research to improve our understanding of cancer survivorship, including understanding the needs of cancer survivors and their caregivers, the factors that influence medical care utilization and behavior after cancer treatment, and issues related to palliative care and end-of-life. Results from these research studies are used to identify areas for public health education and intervention to improve care, quality of life, survival, and the transition to end-of-life.

Active Cancer Survivorship Research

CDC is supporting epidemiologic and behavioral science research efforts related to cancer survivorship, such as:

• Exploring how the knowledge, preferences, and interactions between prostate cancer patients, spouses, and treating physicians ultimately influence treatment choice, quality of life, and satisfaction following treatment



• Determining the role of generalist physicians and cancer-related specialists in providing medical care and evaluation services to older adult survivors who were diagnosed with cancer at least five years earlier



• Describing provider counseling about health behaviors such as diet, exercise, and smoking cessation among cancer survivors in the United States



• Characterizing patterns of follow-up among veteran prostate cancer survivors



• Incorporating a cancer survivorship educational material into a clinical setting to evaluate its acceptability, use, and effect on the cancer survivorship experience



• Assessing determinants of patient dropout from cancer treatment and follow-up



• Developing methods and instruments needed to conduct a study of end-of-life care and factors that may be associated with care for women who die of ovarian cancer



• Understanding the experiences around lung cancer diagnosis and treatment and the major challenges of living with lung cancer through conducting in-depth interviews



• Examining factors that motivate or hinder colorectal cancer survivors from practicing primary and secondary prevention behaviors in the five years after completing treatment for cancer



• Investigating the changing informational needs of patients diagnosed with cancer from the time of diagnosis through the completion of treatment, and identifying gaps between information that is needed and information that is available to address patient concerns