Cancer control falls squarely within the province of the psychological sciences.
Against the background of cancer as a contemporary public health challenge, this article presents a selective overview of psychological science contributions to cancer control research, practice, and policy. Initial contributions were circumscribed to awareness campaigns and the assessment of emotional responses to diagnosis and treatment. As evidence linking certain behaviors to cancer risk and outcomes accumulated, psychology emerged as a "hub science" in the Nation's cancer control program. Despite substantial accomplishments, new societal trends further challenge our ability to reduce risk, incidence, and deaths from cancer and enhance quality of life for cancer survivors. Evidence generated from psychological research conducted within each cell of Pasteur's quadrant continues to be relevant and necessary for effective 21st-century approaches to cancer prevention and control at the individual, clinical, and population levels.
Behavioral Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute.
Paige
P
Green McDonald
Behavioral Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute.
Mary
M
O'Connell
Behavioral Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute.
Jerry
J
Suls
D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004032:Diet; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer / Q000523:psychology; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011584:Psychology; D011634:Public Health; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012907:Smoking; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D012923:Social Class; D015996:Survival Rate; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology