Mission
The Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch (HCIRB) advances research on the processes and effects of communication and health information technology 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).
HCIRB Scientific Priorities Include:
- Evaluating trends in public awareness, perceptions, knowledge, and social norms related to cancer risk factors and screening practices
- Assessing public support for communication-related cancer prevention and control policies
- Improving the accessibility and usability of cancer information
- Investigating the impact of the changing media environment on knowledge and attitudes towards cancer prevention and control
- Understanding and improving cancer communication processes in public health practice, clinical and community settings, and health care systems
- Examining the utility and efficacy of innovative methods for studying communication patterns and processes in cancer prevention and control
- Developing and evaluating communication interventions that operate at multiple levels of influence for behaviors relevant to cancer prevention and control
- Supporting the development and adoption of innovative, evidence-based interventions that leverage emerging technologies and platforms such as telehealth, patient portals, wearables, smartphone and mobile apps, wireless sensors and devices, and social media to improve cancer prevention and control
- Examining the role of communication inequalities in observed cancer disparities, and developing interventions to improve the health of all populations
- Supporting the translation of health communication research into public health and clinical practice across the cancer control continuum
HCIRB also periodically conducts analyses of communication-focused research funded by NCI to identify gaps and opportunities for future research. The first portfolio analysis reviewed grants funded between 2000-2012 and the second analysis reviewed grants funded from 2013-2019.
News and Highlights
- Health Communication article: Contributions to Research and Practice Made by the National Cancer Institute's Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch
- JNCI Monographs Special Issue: Global Cancer Stigma: Research, Practice, and Priorities
- JNCI Monographs Special Issue: Integrating Telehealth into Cancer Care Delivery: Advancing a National Research Agenda
- JAMA Viewpoint article: Health Information in 2023 (and Beyond): Confronting Emergent Realities With Health Communication Science
- New HINTS Brief: Lung Cancer Screening Discussions Between Patients and Providers in the United States
- HINTS 6 (2022) public use data available for download
- HINTS-SEER (2021) Restricted-Use Data Now Available
- Meet Featured HCIRB-funded Investigators
Featured Funding Announcement
Innovative Approaches to Studying Cancer Communication in the New Information Ecosystem
PAR-25-294 (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
PAR-25-295 (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)
See More AnnouncementsResearch Areas
Initiatives
HCIRB Grant Portfolio and Funding Opportunities
Featured Grantees
Stacy Loeb, MD, MSc, PhD (Hon)
The vast majority of U.S. adults look online for health information, but very little is known about the quality of information that they encounter and its influence on clinical decision-making. ”Stacy Loeb, MD, MSc, PhD (Hon)
Hui-Chun I. Su, MD, MSCE
As a clinician scientist, I see barriers to patient access every day. My “ah-ha” moment was when I learned about implementation science… to design interventions that fit and can be adapted to different contexts. ”Hui-Chun I. Su, MD, MSCE
My research aims to equip patients with advanced cancer with self-advocacy skills to ensure they can address challenges that arise during their care. ”Teresa H. Thomas, PhD, RN
Betina R. Yanez, PhD
Our goal is to alleviate depressive symptoms, promote well-being, and address health inequities, thereby bridging the gap between research and implementation in cancer care. ”Betina R. Yanez, PhD
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