Cancer Prevention and Control Members

Our laboratory aims to identify biobehavioral factors that influence cancer risk in a variety of populations. Guided by a biobehavioral model of cancer stress and disease course, we incorporate the use of comprehensive psychosocial assessments along with cutting-edge molecular techniques in our interdisciplinary research program. In particular, our laboratory has been focused on investigating biobehavioral mechanisms that may contribute to enhanced health outcomes in HPV-related cancers, such as cervical cancer and head and neck cancers. Other related projects examine cultural, psychosocial and environmental determinants of cancer health disparities in underserved Asian Americans. Together, these studies will lead to a greater understanding of how psychosocial, behavioral and biological factors interact to influence cancer risk and disease progression. Read More »

The goal of this preclinical program is to develop efficacious regimens for the clinical prevention of cancer. Current efforts focus on the chemoprevention of colon, lung and oral cancer. Areas of research include: 1) the identification of effective chemopreventive agents and their mechanisms of action, 2) the establishment of biomarkers of cancer susceptibility and surrogate endpoints of carcinogenesis and 3) the identification of target populations at increased risk for cancer. Biomarker analyses of biopsies from Phase I/II clinical chemoprevention trials are also performed in this laboratory.

Previous studies in both mice with colitis-associated colon cancer and individuals at increased risk for colorectal cancer have revealed an association between Phase II detoxication enzyme deficiencies and increased susceptibility for cancer. The contribution of polymorphisms in Phase I and II detoxication enzymes to cancer risk is currently being examined by characterizing populations known to be at high risk and generating genetically defined mouse models. The ability of oltipraz to inhibit colitis-associated colon cancer and pancreatic cancer has been demonstrated. The molecular basis for this chemopreventive activity remains an area of active investigation. Recent establishment of a unique multiple intestinal neoplasia (Min) mouse colony has provided an opportunity to develop novel chemopreventive strategies for individuals with mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene.

Dr. Barsevick has developed a research program focused on symptoms and quality of life (QOL) of cancer patients and survivors. QOL has gained prominence as an important outcome of cancer treatment, encompassing those things that give worth, meaning, purpose, and satisfaction to life. QOL is a "patient-reported outcome." To understand QOL, one must go directly to individuals to determine how disease and treatment has affected their lives. QOL can include physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and functional well being as well as difficult or distressing symptoms. Read More »

As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Beck works with physicians and nurses to improve the delivery of clinical care in both the inpatient and outpatient departments, working closely with clinical department chairs, nursing, and senior administrative leaders to improve processes, quality, and safety in all patient-related areas.

Dr. Beck also helps foster academic collaboration with a wide variety of national and international universities, research institutions and oncologists. In addition, he has launched initiatives for more structured faculty development, mentoring, and educational activities. Read More »

Dr. Bradbury is an expert in breast cancer, cancer risk assessment and prevention, hereditary cancer syndromes and medical ethics. Her current research includes studying how and when parents communicate their BRCA (breast cancer gene) mutation status to their children and the impact of early communication of genetic risk on children's health behaviors. Read More »

Dr. Daly's focus is women's health and I am the founder of the Margaret Dyson Family Risk Assessment Program, evaluating preventive approaches to breast and ovarian cancer. My primary areas of research include the epidemiologic and genetic aspects of breast and ovarian cancer, and the translation of this information into effective cancer prevention. As director of the Ovarian Cancer Consortium for Research and Surveillance (OCCRS), I have initiated studies of ovarian cancer screening methods, quality of life after prophylactic (preventive) surgery and serum biomarkers of breast cancer risk.

As principal investigator of the Cooperative Family Registry for Breast Cancer Studies, I am collaborating with institutions worldwide to study the patterns of familial breast and ovarian cancer, gene-environment interactions and the development of novel, genetic-based therapeutic and preventive strategies. Read More »

Our primary area of research focuses on the relationship of hormones to cancer, particularly breast cancer and how health behaviors and genetics may affect cancer risk by modifying hormone levels. Read More »

Dr. Engstrom is involved in cancer research, specifically prevention and survivorship issues. In my practice, I specialize in gastrointestinal malignancies, especially neuroendocrine tumors and colon-rectum cancer management. Read More »

Ms. Fleisher directs the Health Communications and Health Disparities Department including the Fox Chase Outreach Program, Community Cancer Screening among other programs, research focus is on the community. The goal of the Health Communications and Health Disparities (HCHD) department is to provide cancer education, screening and outreach services to the community and serve as a bridge to connect the community to our cancer prevention and control research. Read More »

Dr. Giri is Assistant Professor in Cancer Prevention and Control, Medical Oncology, and Clinical Genetics. Her clinical Expertise is in the areas of Breast Cancer; Prostate Cancer; and Cancer Genetics. Read More »

Dr. Hall specializes in cancers of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, with a specific interest in pancreas, small bowel, and colon tumors. Dr. Hall recent research has focused on the risk of pancreatic cancer in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers, risk communication, racial/ethnic disparities in genetic testing, and the costs and benefits of pharmacogenomic and other genetic testing in the treatment of cancer. Read More »

Dr. Heckman's research program goals are to develop, evaluate, and disseminate innovative interventions to improve cancer risk and risk-reduction behaviors. Her current focus is on primary prevention of skin cancer, and a second interest area is tobacco cessation. Dr. Heckman is a licensed counseling psychologist and runs Fox Chase Cancer Center's employee and family tobacco cessation program (ASAP: the All Smoking Aside Program), she is also a staff member in the patient Tobacco Treatment Program. Read More »

Dr. Lazev is an Assistant Research Professor in the Cancer Prevention and Control Program. Her research program focuses on tobacco control with an emphasis on special populations, including pregnant/postpartum women, low-income and minority populations, college students, persons living with HIV/AIDS and cancer patients. Her research has been funded by the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society, Pfizer and the American Society of Preventive Oncology/Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation. Dr. Lazev also co-directs the All Smoking Aside Program (ASAP) which provides smoking cessation services to employees and their families. Read More »

The goal Dr. Miller's research is to make cancer prevention-control programs more effective by identifying the distinctive ways in which individuals make decisions, adjust to risk information, and manage recommended screening, treatment, follow-up, and prevention regimens. Our efforts focus on the application of assessments and interventions that are specifically targeted and tailored to individual differences among patients and their families. A series of interrelated projects provides a systematic and comprehensive exploration of the psychosocial-biobehavioral links that underlie adaptive responses across the spectrum of cancer risk, disease, and survivorship. The studies in our program are conceptually derived from our integrative theory-based framework, the Cognitive-Social Health Information Processing (C-SHIP) model. This model addresses how different types of individuals process information about cancer threats and prevention-control options, and specifies that behavior is influenced by an individual's perceived vulnerability to cancer, self-efficacy in dealing with it, expectations about the disease, health values and goals, emotions, and coping strategies. The C-SHIP model also recognizes two main styles of processing cancer risk feedback: high monitoring, which involves scanning for and amplifying threat-related cues; and low monitoring, which involves distracting from such cues and minimizing their impact. Read More »

Current efforts focus on: 1) filling the gaps in research using a molecular epidemiology approach, 2) promoting diversity in research through training and 3) promoting healthy lifestyles and a more heightened awareness of cancer prevention and the value of research in the community. Focusing on these three areas will promote a more holistic approach to better understanding and identifying the factors related to increased cancer risk and poor outcome among underserved minority populations of African ancestry. Read More »

For information about Dr. Russo and her lab, please see the Breast Cancer Research Laboratory website.

For information about Dr. Russo and his lab, please see the Breast Cancer Research Laboratory website.

Dr. Shapiro's research focuses on understanding the causes of cancer-related cognitive change and the impact of these cognitive difficulties on quality of life. My goal is to implement a systematic program of research examining psychosocial, biological, and clinical factors that contribute to adverse changes in cognitive function, and to develop interventions to improve cognitive outcomes and quality of life for patients and survivors. Read More »

Dr. Weinberg has a special interest in cancer prevention, especially for patients who are at average risk for gastrointestinal cancers. The current methods of gastrointestinal cancer prevention tools, like colonoscopy, are very effective. However, it is very likely that the next generation of screening techniques will be substantially better. Finding new ways to increase participation in screening programs and to use molecular or genetic markers to provide more accurate estimates of risk are particular interests of mine. Hopefully, finding such markers will allow for better targeting of screening and other risk reduction strategies now and in the future. Read More »

Dr. Wen is an Assistant Professor in the Cancer Prevention and Control program. Her major interests draw on her background in systems engineering, health communication, behavioral and decision science, and information technology to develop and evaluate effective tools and solutions to help individuals and organizations manage and deal with health-related challenges. Read More »

Dr. Wong pursues her research in how cancer affects both individuals and populations. Within the genitourinary malignancy division, I work with other researchers to develop new treatments for prostate, bladder, kidney and testicular cancers. I enjoy taking care of patients across the age spectrum, and have been fortunate to get to know many of my patients and their families very well. Read More »

• Wen-Chi Chang, PhD
• Harry S Cooper, MD
• Efrat Dotan, MD
• Eric A Ross, PhD