Psychological and Health Behavior Aspects of Life after Cancer

After a cancer diagnosis and initial treatment, cancer survivors may face symptoms of the disease as well as late effects of treatment while attempting to return to a normal life with job, partner and children and while perhaps also improving their lifestyle. Life after cancer may be improved for many cancer patients if they already at diagnosis are offered tailored cancer rehabilitation programs aimed at supporting them in their life after cancer.

Among the psychological aspects after a cancer disease, we investigate depression and anxiety not only in patients, but also among relatives. We also examine sexuality and whether it is possible to improve secual life and couple relationship through targeted counseling.

Among the health behavior aspects of life after cancer, we work with weight changes and physical activity, as these factors have been shown to be important for quality of life and survival of cancer patients.

Furthermore, we examine how the health care system through treatment and rehabilitation may manage the psychological and behavioral aspects of cancer, and we test new support and symptom management programs for cancer patients and their relatives.

Our research is based on data from randomized controlled trials, population-based registries, questionnaires, as well as qualitative interviews. The researchers in our department represent a broad range of backgrounds including nursing, psychology, religious studies, public health and medicine.