Our research focuses on how psychosocial and behavioral factors influence cancer risk and disease progression. Guided by a biobehavioral model of cancer stress and disease, we are conducting a series of studies to examine how the physiological response to stress may lead to alterations in immunologic and neuroendocrine pathways that could contribute to cancer risk. Immune factors may play a particularly important role in the control of virally-related cancers, such as those caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Thus, our studies investigate the relationships among psychological, behavioral, and immunologic factors in several diverse populations, including women at risk for cervical cancer and individuals at risk for oral cancer.
In a second line of research, we are investigating psychosocial factors that influence decision making about prophylactic surgery and quality of life following surgery. Across several studies, we have observed that key cognitive factors (such as perceived risk of developing cancer) were associated with greater intentions to undergo prophylactic oophorectomy among women at increased risk for ovarian cancer. Our findings also indicated that particular coping styles moderate the relationship between perceived risk and women's levels of interest in prophylactic surgery. Our ongoing studies examine the impact of gynecologic surgery on women's psychological adjustment and sexual and physical functioning.