Research on Health Behaviors and Cancer
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Our research team is dedicated to identifying modifiable factors that improve quality of life and clinical outcomes in individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer. We lead studies investigating dietary, exercise, and other lifestyle habits, and the biologic mechanisms through which they act. We also conduct interventional trials that evaluate how best to help cancer survivors adopt healthy behaviors to improve disease outcomes. The overarching theme of our research is to enable those with a cancer diagnosis live healthier and longer lives.
The UCSF Department of Urology is committed to offering the highest quality urologic care and innovative research programs. The studies below are led by our faculty investigators, open for enrollment, and supported by our department's clinical trials office.
If you are interested in joining any of the studies, please call 1-800-526-4433 or email: [email protected] or [email protected].
Your participation in a research study is voluntary. The information you provide will be confidential, and individual information will not be released. Thank you for your consideration.
Exercise and diet may delay prostate cancer progression
UCSF investigators have reported that brisk walking or other aerobic exercise and intake of specific foods may delay or deter progression of prostate cancer. To expand on these exciting results, we are conducting research to examine whether personalized exercise and diet programs alter prostate cancer biology or reduce the risk of progression.
Resources on Healthy Living
TOOLS TO BE FIT
A study to learn what tools work best to help people like you eat well, exercise regularly, and lose weight (if weight loss is a goal of yours). The tools we are testing include text messages, apps, and health coaching from trained professionals over the phone.
Please consider volunteering for research and tell your friends!
Lifestyle Studies with Open Enrollment
A study to learn what tools work best to help people like you eat well, exercise regularly, and lose weight (if weight loss is a goal of yours). The tools we are testing include text messages, apps, and health coaching from trained professionals over the phone.
Contact: [email protected]
A new digital cancer survivorship study. We are studying if diet, exercise, or other lifestyle habits may slow cancer progression or improve the quality of life in individuals who have had a cancer diagnosis. We are also examining how social and financial factors affect health behaviors and receipt of healthcare. Participants will be asked to complete online surveys on diet, exercise, sleep quality, cancer diagnosis and management, other health conditions, and quality of life.
Contact: [email protected]
Study Team Information
Studies brought to you by Drs. June Chan, Stacey Kenfield, and Erin Van Blarigan, epidemiologists who conduct translation lifestyle research in oncology.
Main Clinical Research Coordinator Supervisor: Imelda Tenggara
In collaboration with UCSF Depts. of Urology, Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Pathology, Medicine (including the Division of Hematology/Oncology), Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Orthopedic Surgery, Radiation Oncology; and Urologic Clinical and Translational Science staff (Dept. of Urology); UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine; & the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. External Collaborators: Oregon Health Sciences University, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, & Edith Cowan University (Australia).
Acknowledgments: National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute, Department of Defense, Helen Diller Family Chair in Population Science for Urologic Cancer, Steven & Christine Burd Safeway Distinguished Professorship, GenomeDx, Movember Foundation, Prostate Cancer Foundation.
We are indebted to all the study participants! Thank You!
Gifts can be made at https://giving.ucsf.edu/fund/urologic-oncology-lifestyle-research; gifts made through this page will be directed to Urologic Oncology Lifestyle Research (Dr. Chan). You can also send U.S. postal mail to:
UCSF Foundation, c/o Cory Karpin, Director of Development
PO Box 45339
San Francisco, CA 94145-0339
Please note “Dr. Chan Lifestyle research” in the memo of the check.
For further questions, you may contact Mr. Karpin directly at: (805) 660-0985 (cell)