The Behavioral Oncology Laboratory is part of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program at the Brown Cancer Center. 

Behavioral oncology research examines the behavioral and psychological aspects of cancer across the spectrum of cancer prevention and control.  Behavioral oncologists study aspects of behavior that influence the development of cancer (e.g., exercise and diet), the factors that motivate people to participate in cancer screening programs, as well as the psychological impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Much of the current focus of the Behavioral Oncology Laboratory centers on exploring psychological and behavioral aspects of participation in cancer screening programs.  Active studies investigate psychological and behavioral facets of lung cancer and cervical cancer screening, and we are currently preparing a study of the behavioral effects of ovarian cancer screening. In addition to our work in cancer screening, the Behavioral Oncology Laboratory is actively involved in exploring patient decision-making about adjuvant treatment for several forms of cancer including breast, colorectal, and lung cancer.  The lab also collaborates on several studies examining women’s health, coping with cancer, and other general oncology domains.