Grantee: Betina R. Yanez, PhD

Betina R. Yanez, PhD

• Northwestern University - Chicago

Current Title
Associate Professor at the Feinberg School of Medicine and Program Co-Lead in Cancer Control and Survivorship at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center

Describe your scientific identity.
Clinical health psychologist, behavioral scientist, and cancer control and survivorship researcher.

What are your research interests?
My work bridges behavioral medicine and health equity research to investigate improvements in the patient-reported outcomes and clinical outcomes of cancer patients. To address the concerns faced by patients, I have established a research program that focuses on patient-centered care by engaging affected and interested groups to address major public health problems in cancer, optimize cancer-related outcomes, and enhance cancer care delivery.

What is the significance of your current research project?
The prevalence of clinically elevated depressive symptoms is higher among cancer patients compared to the general population. Patient distress, including depressive symptoms, can negatively impact cancer-related outcomes and compromise the overall quality of life of individuals. Consequently, addressing cancer-related distress through supportive care is a crucial component of comprehensive cancer treatment. Despite guidelines advocating for cancer distress screening and integration of patient-reported outcomes into care, many patients still encounter obstacles in accessing evidence-based supportive care for elevated distress. Our study aims to overcome these barriers by implementing an electronic health record-integrated program within oncology settings. Our goal is to alleviate depressive symptoms, promote well-being, and address health inequities, thereby bridging the gap between research and implementation in cancer care.

What motivated you to work in health communication research?
My drive stems from my clinical training and the aspiration to address major public health concerns facing patients with cancer, optimize outcomes, and to translate evidence-based research into cancer care. Observing the evolution of clinical care and research as they embrace the integration of patient and community perspectives remains a constant source of inspiration for me.

Describe something that had a profound influence on your program of research or scientific interests (an "ah-ha!" moment).
Patients are not solely characterized by their diagnosis, and transforming the cancer experience is possible through patient-centered care. Despite interventions being developed for patients, their prompt administration varies within the healthcare system, and evidence-based interventions often fail to reach patients. This profound realization has shaped my interest in health inequities, patient-centered intervention development, and implementation science.

Selected training, awards, and honors:

• Health Equity Special Interest Group Mentorship Award, Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM)
• New Investigator Award, American Psychosocial Oncology Society
• Young Investigators Distinction for Clinical Research, ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group
• Fellow of the Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM)
• Fellow of the Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research