RISE: Reducing Cancer and HIV Stigma through Empowerment
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11535372 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A multilevel storytelling program for women in Zambia living with cancer and HIV to reduce stigma and improve quality of life, delivered to patients and supported by healthcare workers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 4, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $58,320 |
| NIH project number | 3R01CA305776-02S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11535372 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women living with cancer and HIV in Zambia (WLC+H) and healthcare workers at the Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia.
✕Less likely to help
Some participants may not experience noticeable improvements in quality of life or mental health.
What this research studies
This project tests a culturally tailored storytelling approach to reduce stigma for women with cancer and HIV in Zambia. In a randomized trial, patients will watch or not watch storytelling videos and disclose or keep private their experiences, creating four different conditions. Each participant will join weekly 20-minute sessions and be followed for up to a year to measure quality of life, depression, anxiety, and coping. Healthcare workers at the Cancer Diseases Hospital will also be involved to address stigma at the provider level. If successful, the intervention could empower patients and inform practices to improve cancer care in settings burdened by dual stigma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the approach works, patients could experience better quality of life and mental health, and providers may adopt stigma-reducing practices that improve cancer care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous stigma-reduction efforts in cancer and HIV care have shown promise but this multilevel, storytelling approach is innovative in this setting.
Where this research is happening
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University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Qian — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Lu, Qian
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.