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Innovative Approaches to Studying Cancer Communication in the New Information Ecosystem (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)


PAR-22-165. $275K/2 years. Multiple application deadlines. Earliest deadline for new applications: October 5, 2022.

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is intended to encourage research projects in three distinct domains related to cancer communication: 1) utility and application of new cancer communication surveillance approaches, 2) development and testing of larger-scale interventions using innovative methods and designs, and 3) development and testing of multilevel cancer communication models emphasizing bidirectional influence between levels. Applications should apply one or more innovative methodologies (including, but not limited to, social media data mining, Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques, online social network analysis, mixed methods approaches, crowdsourcing research tools, online search data, Ecological Momentary Assessment, testing of mobile and digital technologies to facilitate communication and health engagement, neuroscience and biobehavioral approaches to communication, artificial intelligence, visual data analysis, and geographic information systems) across the cancer control continuum, from prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, to end of life. Relevant topics include, but are not limited to, effectively communicating cancer risks; affecting positive behavior change relevant to cancer prevention and control (e.g., tobacco use, diet, physical activity, cancer screening, alcohol consumption, sun protection); enabling patient-centered cancer care and effective navigation of the healthcare system; offering informational, social, and psychological support in cancer care as well as in decision-making about cancer screening and treatment; and maximizing quality of life for survivors and their caregivers, including the utilization of palliative care. Multilevel approaches are encouraged. Intervention studies should consider applicability across multiple contexts (e.g., health systems, family- or community-based settings, or virtual/online communities). Studies should assess outcomes related to cancer prevention and control (e.g., knowledge; attitudes; beliefs; health/science literacy; trust; perceived risk; decision making in vaccination, screening and treatment; information inequalities; social support; shared decision making; persuasion; caregiving; behavioral intentions; preventive behaviors; and policy support, among others).

This FOA has a companion FOA with a similar scientific scope, PAR-22-164, which utilizes the Research Project Grant (R01) mechanism.