The BHSA supports innovative research and high-reward studies that span the spectrum of behavioral health science including prevention, quality of life, symptom management, resilience, and psychosocial issues related to cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Studies are expected to address one or more of these critical issues in at least one of the FY20 PRCRP Topic Areas. Proposed research should focus on at least one of the stages of survivorship as characterized by the American Society for Clinical Oncology: acute, extended, and/or permanent (https://www.cancer.net/survivorship/what-survivorship, https://www.asco.org/sites/new- www.asco.org/files/content-files/practice-and-guidelines/documents/ASCO-guidelines- summary-of-recommendations-tables.pdf).
The overall goal of the BHSA is to advance behavioral health cancer science and fill gaps in the understanding of survivorship, including investigations into the psychological health and well- being of those affected by cancer (e.g., patients, family members). This may include investigations into studies that improve mental health and/or cancer related outcomes in defined populations. Studies also may assess the relationship(s) between behavioral and social functioning in relation to cancer initiation, progression, detection, treatment, and rehabilitation. Applications may propose behavioral science that examines quality of life studies, decision making and/or cognitive function research, development and testing of educational interventions, and symptom management (e.g., toxicity of treatment, palliative care, psychological distress and anxiety). Applications may target development of evidence-based practices, behavioral health science interventions and surveillance, and identification of psychosocial patient outcomes.
A Congressionally mandated Metastatic Cancer Task Force was formed with the purpose of identifying ways to help accelerate clinical and translational research aimed at extending the lives of advanced state and recurrent patients. As a member of the Metastatic Cancer Task Force, CDMRP encourages applicants to review the recommendations (https://health.mil/Reference-Center/Congressional-Testimonies/2018/05/03/Metastatic-Cancer- Research) and submit research ideas to address these recommendations provided they are within the limitations of this funding opportunity and fit within the FY20 PRCRP priorities.