Improving patient understanding of advanced cancer through behavioral science

Leveraging behavioral science to improve patient understanding of advanced cancer

NIH-funded research Hackensack University Medical Center · NIH-10747432

This study is designed to help people with advanced cancer feel less anxious and more confident when talking about their treatment options and prognosis, so they can make better decisions about their care.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHackensack University Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hackensack, United States)
Project IDNIH-10747432 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on helping patients with advanced cancer better understand their prognosis and treatment options. It addresses the psychological barriers that can prevent patients from accurately processing complex medical information, particularly during stressful discussions about their health. The project will develop and test a stress management program aimed at reducing anxiety before these critical conversations, ultimately enhancing informed decision-making. By utilizing behavioral science techniques, the research seeks to create a supportive environment for patients to engage with their healthcare providers more effectively.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced cancer who experience anxiety and have difficulty understanding their treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancer or those who do not experience significant anxiety related to their diagnosis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved patient comprehension of their cancer prognosis, enabling better decision-making and potentially enhancing quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that addressing psychological barriers can improve patient outcomes in similar contexts, suggesting a promising approach for this study.

Where this research is happening

Hackensack, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancersneoplasm/cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.