Biobehavioral Cancer Control Program

Abstract: Biobehavioral Cancer Control (BCC)
Recognizing the importance of research focused on the person in whom cancer develops and is treated, as
well as on the tumor itself, Hillman Cancer Center (HCC) has included a program focused on behavioral issues
in oncology since its inception in 1985. The overarching goal of the Biobehavioral Cancer Control (BCC)
Program is to reduce the burden of cancer across all phases of the cancer control continuum, from cancer risk
through cancer survivorship, via research centered on behavioral factors and the patient/person experience.
Grounded in the behavioral sciences, program investigators conduct preclinical, translational, and clinical
research studies (including randomized interventional trials) that are largely encompassed by two central
themes: (1) Cancer risk reduction focuses on behavioral factors known to contribute to cancer risk,
particularly tobacco use and the biobehavioral mechanisms underlying the initiation, maintenance and
cessation of tobacco use; and (2) Cancer survivorship focuses on characterization of disease and treatment-
related symptoms in cancer survivors, the biobehavioral mechanisms underlying those symptoms, and
personalized management strategies to prevent or reduce cancer and cancer therapy-related symptoms and
improve outcomes. BCC is a highly transdisciplinary program with a strong track record of research
productivity as evidenced by publications and grant support. Under the leadership of Catherine Bender, PhD,
RN and Dana Bovbjerg, PhD, BCC has 45 members representing 15 departments and 6 schools within the
University of Pittsburgh. BCC members conduct cancer-focused research supported by $5.4M in total annual
direct funding of which $3.3M is NCI funding, $2.0M is other peer-reviewed and $0.1M is non-peer-reviewed. A
return of $3.2M was obtained on investment of $251K of CCSG developmental funds. From 2015-2019, BCC
members published 493 cancer-related publications representing 17% intra-programmatic, 16% inter-
programmatic, and 58% inter-institutional collaborations. Consistent with HCC’s overall strategic plan and the
cancer challenges of our catchment area, the specific aims of BCC are to: (a) investigate behavioral factors
known to contribute to cancer risk reduction, with a particular focus on biobehavioral mechanisms underlying
initiation, maintenance, and cessation of tobacco use (Theme 1); (b) develop and test innovative biobehavioral
interventions to reduce cancer risk behaviors with a particular emphasis on tobacco use and cancer prevention
behaviors (Theme 1); (c) characterize disease and treatment-related symptoms in cancer survivors including
the biobehavioral mechanisms underlying those symptoms (Theme 2); and (d) develop and test personalized
management strategies to prevent or reduce cancer and cancer therapy-related symptoms and improve
adherence to therapy, quality of life, and functional ability of cancer survivors (Theme 2). These aims will be
addressed with key HCC support for BCC research activities at both strategic and logistical levels.

Grant Number: 4P30CA047904-37
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: DANA BOVBJERG