How long have you been a member of AACE?
Three months
What is your current position and where do you work?
Full Professor of the Department of Psychology at the Federal University of Sergipe, Brazil
How long have you been doing research in the field of cancer education?
I have been doing cancer education since earning my doctorate in 2010. An appropriate example comes from a Master Thesis that I supervised (2015-2017). During this time, my student and I conducted research on prostate cancer among Brazilian men using the Theory of Planned Behavior. Currently, she is pursuing her doctorate under my mentorship, and we are engaged in a study to support a bill related to men’s mental health in Brazil. Many findings of this ongoing research are being integrated into proposals in the field of cancer education.
How did your interest in the field of cancer education begin?
My interest began when I started to study health psychology. Cancer education is one of the most promising areas in Brazil, particularly when we think about the future on public health and oncology in the coming years. In addition, the National Institute of Cancer in Brazil (INCA) is also committed to the cause. I always up-to-date with their campaigns, research endeavors, and pioneering initiatives.
Describe some of your research as it relates to cancer education?
I work with topics related to stress, coping and health behaviors from the perspective of health psychology, which is related to cancer education. Presently, we also have a proposal to work with financial toxicity in prostate cancer with patients from the Brazilian Unified Health System, which is a novel area of research in my country. We hope the results can be used by health teams to promote greater acceptance of the psychological and psychosocial demands of patients.
What motivates you to continue to do research in cancer education?
The prospect of making meaningful contributions to the field within Brazil, especially when considered the place and region where I live. Also, I would like to increase efforts to provide and improve psychological care related to cancer treatment and survivorship.
Do you have any advice for individuals interested in pursuing a career in cancer education?
I would suggest being aware of topics like cancer in LMICs because it is a health issue that will receive more attention in the coming years. Cancer education is a pivotal field to practice and research in many aspects in these countries, and there is an important path for improving care for cancer survivors.