Population Science Research Program Leader
Michael Hoerger, PhD
Associate Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry
mhoerger@tulane.edu
Program Aims:
Aim 1: Investigate discrepancies in cancer health outcomes and their impact across the cancer continuum.
- Characterize how financial conditions, personal and ethnic histories, and geographic differences influence cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship outcomes, including quality of life and mortality.
- Examine the combined effects of COVID-19 and discrepancies in cancer care on survivorship and long-term health outcomes to develop targeted interventions.
- Explore psycho-oncology approaches to improve mental health and decision-making for populations with limited access to care.
Aim 2: Advance research on cancer-preventing health behaviors to reduce cancer risk and improve outcomes.
- Assess the influence of behaviors such as diet, tobacco and alcohol consumption, exercise, and vaccine uptake (e.g., HPV) on cancer risk and prevention strategies.
- Identify effective methods for promoting health behavior changes through implementation science approaches, focusing on high-risk and underserved populations.
- Develop and evaluate interventions for tobacco prevention, cessation, and uptake of lung cancer screening to reduce lung cancer risk.
Aim 3: Improve patient- and family-centered outcomes through innovative approaches in survivorship and palliative care.
- Investigate how treatment decision-making processes impact outcomes for cancer patients and their families, emphasizing culturally tailored strategies for diverse populations.
- Study survivorship care models that address physical, emotional, and psychological needs post-treatment to enhance quality of life.
- Develop evidence-based strategies to optimize palliative care delivery and reduce outcome variability in end-of-life care.
