PhD Candidate Receives Predoctoral Research Award
Fariha Tariq, PhD candidate in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, has received an F99 Transition Award from the National Cancer Institute for “An In-depth Examination of Psychological Distress in Black Breast Cancer Survivors.”
Psychological distress is an important component of cancer care, and can adversely affect treatment compliance, quality of life, and survival. Data about psychological distress in Black breast cancer survivors are sparse. This is an important gap given the racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes for Black women (breast cancer mortality rates are 40% higher in Black women compared to White women) and the adverse impact of psychological distress on breast cancer outcomes.
“I am passionate about tackling cancer disparities, especially among groups that are disproportionately impacted by the disease,” says Tariq. “Unfortunately, mental health challenges experienced by cancer survivors often go unaddressed, and this can negatively impact cancer related outcomes.”
Tariq’s project aims to gain a detailed understanding of the unique role of multilevel factors on the psychological distress experience of Black breast cancer survivors. This information is essential in order to identify potentially modifiable factors for distress management interventions in Black breast cancer survivors.
Tariq hopes that the findings from her study will inform interventions designed to improve psychological outcomes for Black breast cancer survivors. “I hope this study will allow a deeper understanding about cancer related distress, and that mental health of cancer patients will be prioritized equally alongside their physical care,” she says.
Tariq’s primary mentor for the project is Dr. Vanessa Sheppard, Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Interim Dean of the School of Public Health, whose own research focuses on health disparities including those among Black breast cancer patients. “I am incredibly thankful to Dr. Sheppard, Dr. LaRose [SBS] and Dr. Perera [Biostatistics] for their guidance and support during this process,” says Tariq.
Reference: Zirpoli GR et al. Addition of polygenic risk score to a risk calculator for prediction of breast cancer in US Black women. Breast Cancer Res. 2024.
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