Mission
The Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch (HCIRB) advances research on the processes and effects of communication and informatics across the cancer control continuum. HCIRB is within the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Behavioral Research Program (BRP), in the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS).
Scientific Priorities
HCIRB is dedicated to advancing and funding cancer communication research with the goals of improving public understanding of cancer-relevant information, enhancing patient-provider-caregiver interactions, improving team communications within and between health care systems, bridging the gap between clinical and public health messaging, and translating research into clinical and public health practice.
HCIRB’s research priorities include:
- Our communication science work aims to:
- Improve the interface between science, media, and clinical care
- Raise public awareness and knowledge about cancer prevention and control priorities by improving access to and understanding of cancer information
- Investigate the impact of the changing media environment on knowledge and attitudes toward cancer prevention and control
- Evaluate communication processes in public health practice, community settings, and health care systems to advance and improve cancer care delivery and prevention
- Examine the utility and efficacy of innovative methods for studying communication patterns and processes
- Our multilevel health communication work aims to:
- Develop and evaluate communication interventions that operate at multiple levels of influence for behaviors relevant to cancer control and prevention
- Use informatics technologies to bridge gaps in health communication between the individual, clinical, and community levels
- Our technology-mediated communication work aims to:
- Support the adoption of innovative, evidence-based interventions that leverage emerging technologies and online platforms such as health system portals, smartphone and mobile apps, wireless sensors and devices, and social media
- Test the use and implementation of technology to improve care coordination for patients and caregivers
- Encourage the development and translation of evidence-based innovations in health information technology (HIT) especially as they relate to patient engagement, population health, safety, and continuity of care
News and Highlights
- NIH Participation in Smart Health and Biomedical Research in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Data Science
- NEW American Journal of Public Health Special Issue on Health Misinformation and Social Media, October 2020
- New HINTS Brief: Genetic Testing Awareness Among American Adults
- HINTS 5, Cycle 3 (2019) Data Available for Download
- Ethical Considerations for Social Media Research (PDF)
- Meet Featured HCIRB Researchers
Featured Funding Announcement
Social and Behavioral Intervention Research to Address Modifiable Risk Factors for Cancer in Rural Populations: RFA-CA-20-051 (R01 Clinical Trial Required)
See More AnnouncementsResearch Areas
Initiatives
HCIRB Grant Portfolio and Funding Opportunities
Featured Grantees
I have always been interested in how families adapt to and manage serious illness. My goal is to help patients and family members cope better and engage in better self-care.Sharon Manne, Ph.D. Other HCIRB Featured Grantees
The advent of e-cigarettes has marked an epoch in the history of smoking-their impact on public health needs to be studied and studied clear-headedly.Pallav Pokhrel Other HCIRB Featured Grantees
My background as a public health scientist has inspired me to conduct research that is aimed for population-level impact by focusing on developing effective cancer prevention communication messaging. Some of the most common risk behaviors that are linked with cancer, like tobacco use, sun exposure, and indoor tanning, tend to develop at an early age but are highly preventable. I study how to promote cancer preventive behaviors by designing communication messages that resonate with young people and motivate healthy choices.Darren Mays, Ph.D., M.P.H. Other HCIRB Featured Grantees
Meet Our Staff
Our team of accomplished scientists and research associates, fellows, and administrators is dedicated to advancing behavioral science research in cancer prevention and control.
HCIRB Staff