Behavior and Cancer Prevention

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

Health Behavior and Cancer Prevention Across the Lifespan Nearly half of all deaths from cancer are preventable through a combination of health behavior change and early detection practices. This seminar explores the contribution of lifestyle as a risk factor for cancer, and how psychology’s insights into this behavior–health connection drives public health prevention campaigns from childhood to adulthood. The course addresses fundamental research questions such as the following: Why do some individuals engage in behaviors that place them at increased risk for cancer (e.g., tobacco use, excess UV exposure, consume a poor diet, are physically inactive)? What determines whether someone is motivated to change their behavior to improve their health (e.g., knowledge and attitudes)? In what ways do biology, stress, and the environment contribute to cancer onset, and how do they influence cancer outcomes? We will also consider a broad range of ecological determinants of health-promoting and health-compromising behaviors, such as the family and community, health care providers and systems, norms and culture, and social media. We will examine how these interact to inform our understanding of behavioral cancer risk, prevention, and intervention efforts and the eradication of health disparities. The class is taught in a seminar format and requires class attendance and active engagement. Readings will be at an advanced level, with multiple writing assignments and team projects required throughout the semester. Prerequisites: PSYC-001 and PSYC-140 or permission of the instructor.