Research Programs

Cancer Control

The overall goal of the Cancer Control (CC) Program at the OSUCCC – James is to conduct research to reduce the incidence, mortality and morbidity of cancer in Ohio and beyond.

Cancer Control

The CC Program focuses on research across the cancer control continuum, from etiology through survivorship, and maintains a multi-level focus, from biology to policy. CC research encompasses crosscutting themes to study underserved/rural/minority populations.

The research capitalizes on our members’ strengths, such as epidemiology, medical oncology and hematology, biology and behavior. In addition, many of our projects include trans-disciplinary research teams that allow for a better understanding for ways to address complex problems. 

About Cancer Control members

Our program connects different research themes, especially focusing on creating policies and helping different groups. We study the main cancers identified as “priority” by the OSUCCC – James. We use the strengths of our team, including experts in epidemiology, biology, nursing, and behavior studies, to collaborate on these issues. Our members have published numerous cancer-related intra-programmatic, inter-programmatic and multi-institutional papers.

Co-Leaders Jesse J. Plascak, PhD, MPH, Theodore Wagener, PhD and Diane Von Ah, PhD, RNThe Cancer Control Program receives funding focused on cancer research, with a portion of that being peer-reviewed. This includes funds from the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute. Over the past five years, Cancer Control Program members have enrolled tens of thousands of participants in our studies, for both non-therapeutic and therapeutic trials, and also including other types of studies.

Co-Leader: Jesse J. Plascak, PhD, MPH
Co-Leader: Theodore Wagener, PhD
Co-Leader: Diane Von Ah, PhD, RN

View all CC members

Aims of the Cancer Control Program

The Specific Aims of the CC Program are to:

  • Aim 1: Identify molecular, genetic, behavioral and contextual factors related to cancer incidence and mortality at a population level.
  • Aim 2: Develop and test behavioral interventions that prevent cancer development or facilitate early detection.
  • Aim 3: Assess and intervene on issues of cancer survivorship (including patients on active cancer treatment and survivors). 

Future directions

The future plans for the Cancer Control Program include expanding research in:

  • Molecular epidemiology
  • Obesity, diet and physical activity
  • Survivorship, including the role of social and built environment factors, including:
  • The effects of immuno-oncology on patient outcomes and immune-related adverse events through collaborations with the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology (PIIO).
  • The impact of psychedelic-assisted therapy on the treatment of cancer-related depression, anxiety and quality of life.
  • Future integration with the new Center for Cancer Prevention and Survivorship (CCPS) that will bring together transdisciplinary teams of researchers across the OSUCCC – James to focus on cancer prevention and survivorship with a multilevel perspective and innovative design strategies.