Psycho-oncology research centres in North, Central and South America
Biobehavioral Research Center
San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
We conducted research mainly on ethnic disparities and cancer and pediatric cancer. We have conducted intervention research for women from different ethnic groups. We have also just finished a longitudinal study of 175 breast cancer survivors. The women were interviewed at the beginning and two years later about their breast cancer experience including diagnosis/treatment experience, quality of life, spirituality, social support and mood. They also completed questionnaires on mood, quality of life, spirituality, and social support. We are also currently developing a peer support model for African American and Chinese wome with breast cancer. After the model is developed we will test it.
Main areas of research are Survivorship, Spirituality, Social Support, Quality of Life, Ethnic Disparities & Pediatrics.
Contact: Ellen G. Levine, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
New York
The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York is one of the world's leading academic Psycho-oncology departments with 32 faculty, a comprehensive range of clinical services and research which is focused within six laboratories: Psychotherapy; Symptom Management & Psychotropic Trials; Neurocognitive Studies; Communication Skills Training & Research; Cancer Risk Reduction & Health Promotion; and Community Outreach & Health Disparities. The department runs an ACGME-accredited Clinical Fellowship Program in Psychosomatic Medicine and a Post-doctoral Research Program in Psycho-oncology.
Contact: David W. Kissane (Alfred P. Sloan Chair and Chairman)
Email: kissaned@mskcc.org
Website: www.mskcc.org
CANADA
Princess Margaret Hospital
Toronto, Ontario
Research activities include independent research by Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care investigators, weekly research seminars, and graduate seminars. Many program members are also appointed to the University of Toronto and offer a specialty stream in Palliative and Supportive Care through the University of Toronto's Institute of Medical Science and School of Graduate Studies.
Research in the Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care program addresses a wide range of issues. Current research focuses on quality of life and psychosocial impact of cancer, survivorship, genetic testing, desire for death, quality of death, symptom management, self-concept, illness intrusiveness, culture, coping, pain and aging, and models of palliative care. Research includes randomized controlled trials to evaluate experimental interventions and naturalistic studies to test and develop theory. Principal investigators include psychiatrists, palliative care specialists, psychologists, nurses, and social workers.
Contact: Dr. Gary Rodin, Head of POPC, Dr. Gerald M. Devins, Head of Research
SOLCA Cancer Hospital
Quito-Ecuador
SOLCA is an organization devoted to Cancer treatment in Ecuador. SOLCA has branches in  some of the biggest cities in Ecuador (Guayaquil, Quito, Cuenca, Loja, Portoviejo, Ambato). It is a private organization which receives governmental funds. Currently, we are doing an investigation in the area of Psycho-Oncology using the Distress thermometer in adults. We are trying to develop a Distress Thermometer for children and their families. We are interested in the cultural aspects and influence of them in collaboration with oncologic treatments. At the moment we want to see if the distress levels are similar to other cancer treatment places.
Contact: Dr. José Mosquera
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