With advances in medical treatments and longer life expectancies comes an increased focus on the quality of life (QOL) of children with cancer. The identification of learning and social-emotional difficulties can promote early interventions for improved functioning in school, work, peer and family relationships, and daily activities. The Behavioral Health Core conducts research studies to help characterize the psychosocial and neurobehavioral effects of cancer and other chronic illnesses, develop and evaluate new assessment tools, and study the effectiveness of psychological interventions in children, adolescents, and adults.
The Behavioral Health Core consists of two separate but interrelated components:
Psychosocial Support & Research Program
Research is a critical component of the Psychosocial Support & Research Program. Our research studies are designed to learn how to best help patients and their families prepare for, adjust to, and cope with the effects of cancer and other related medical conditions while enrolled on research protocols in several NCI Branches and NIH Institutes. Learn more about our research led by Dr. Lori Wiener.
Access educational and therapeutic materials to help the children we serve learn about their condition and cope with the challenges they might face as a result of their illness here.
Health Psychology & Neurobehavioral Research Program
Advancements in the treatment of pediatric cancers, including brain tumors, have paved the way for an increased focus on research investigating the effects of cancer and its treatment on the cognitive functioning, emotional well-being, and quality of life (QOL) of children. Learn more about the Health Psychology & Neurobehavioral Research Program led by Dr. Pamela Wolters.