Contact:
Sherry Mills, M.D., M.P.H.
Program Director
Cancer Control Research Branch
Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences
Telephone: (301) 435-2839
E-Mail: sherry_mills@nih.gov

Objective of Project:
This project will focus on health communications research related to the use of "new media" (e.g., World Wide Web interactive kiosks, voice-response technology) in cancer prevention and control; message development-including the impact on primary and secondary cancer prevention and on cancer-related decisions; and refinement and evaluation of systems to deliver cancer control-related information.

Description of Project:
Study topics may range from primary prevention and early detection to informed decision making and survivorship. Research may range from basic (preintervention studies to evaluate message components and delivery) to intervention studies and broad-scale dissemination. Proposed studies could include personal interactive communication, computer information, and/or decision making systems to enhance message delivery and impact in cancer control. Research on cognition, message framing, and risk communication are included within the project scope. Development and evaluation of health communications in diverse populations will be strongly encouraged. Specific research examples include:

• basic laboratory research to examine the impact of specific elements of tailored message communication;

• studies that examine message framing and its influence on decision making and behavior;

• randomized trials to address unanswered questions about tailored message technology;

• studies that evaluate the effectiveness of "new media" to reach specific population segments; and,

• research that identifies and evaluates the optimal media strategies to reach underserved populations.