Home > Division of Survivorship Research
Division of Survivorship Research
Activities
We aim to create a society in which cancer survivors can live with peace of mind and remain true to themselves while receiving support tailored to their physical and psychological conditions, life stages, values, and preferences. Our research focuses on identifying physical, psychological, and social support needs, developing and evaluating effective support interventions, and promoting their dissemination and implementation in real-world settings.
■Identifying Challenges and Building a Research Foundation
Cancer survivors face a wide range of challenges from diagnosis through treatment and into survivorship, including not only physical symptoms but also anxiety and depression, family relationships, education and employment, and financial burden. The Survivorship Care and Quality of Life Research Association (SaQRA:link to an external site) works in partnership with cancer survivors and the public to build a strong research foundation. Through systematic identification of unmet care needs and comprehensive review of research trends and clinical practice guidelines both in Japan and internationally, we advance research that contributes to addressing these challenges.
■Developing Support Aligned with Life Stages and Personal Values
The challenges that arise in living with cancer vary depending on disease status, life stage, and social context. We are engaged in developing and evaluating personalized support approaches that respect each individual’s values and preferences, including shared decision-making programs that facilitate collaborative choices regarding treatment, care, and daily life among patients, their caregivers, and healthcare providers.
■Translating Evidence-Based Psychosocial Care into Practice
Through research on suicide prevention and “Maemuki (positive orientation)” in cancer care, we seek to advance scientific understanding of the emotional experiences and coping processes of people living with cancer. By leveraging digital and AI technologies and bridging the gap between research and real-world clinical and community practice, we are working to implement evidence-based psychosocial care.