Thriving After Cancer Team

Cancer represents a growing public health challenge, with about 2 million people diagnosed each year in the US. There are over 18 million cancer survivors in the US today, and that number is projected to grow to 26 million by 2040. These numbers highlight the significant impact of cancer on the population.

We conduct innovative qualitative and quantitative research aimed at developing evidence-based interventions to enhance communication, coping strategies, healthcare experiences, and overall quality of life for cancer survivors, their partners, and their broader support networks.

Read more about our active projects, focused on improving cancer-related care and services to reduce distress and improve quality of life in cancer survivorship.

Opening the Conversation

Opening the Conversation is a randomized controlled trial comparing two couple-based interventions designed to reduce distress among young adult breast or gynecologic cancer survivors and their partners. Funding: American Cancer Society.

Thriving Together

Thriving Together is a community-engaged study designed to voice LGBTQ+ people’s experiences with cancer-related health care and to learn about what can be done to improve cancer health outcomes. Funding: College of Health and the National Cancer Institute.

Mindful After Cancer

Mindful After Cancer is a feasibility study of the Mindful After Cancer intervention, which provides education, mindfulness training, and peer support for breast and gynecologic cancer survivors with sexual concerns. Funding: National Cancer Institute.

Updates and news

College faculty selected as OSU Research Advancement Academy fellows
The academy aims to support early and mid-career faculty to develop leadership skills and grow their successful research programs in alignment with the university’s Prosperity Widely Shared strategic plan.
Jessica Gorman recieves $900K National Cancer Institute grant
3-year study will improve sexual health and well-being for breast and gynecologic cancer survivors.
Jessica Gorman on LGBTQ+ cancer care
College of Health researcher works to improve equity in cancer care and outcomes

Recent publications

See more publications

2025

Skog, R., Olsson, E.M., Gorman, J.R., Bober, S.L., Lampic, C., Wettergren, L. (2025) An internet-delivered psychoeducational intervention (Fex-Can 2.0) targeting fertility-related distress and sexual dysfunction in young adults diagnosed with cancer: Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial with an internal pilot phase PLOS ONE 20

2024

Acquati, C., Chen, Q., Arthur, E.K., Reese, J.B., Gorman, J.R. (2024) Development of the Partner Version of the Self-Efficacy to Communicate about Sex and Intimacy (SECSI-PV) Scale in the Context of Cancer Survivorship Journal of Psychosocial Oncology

Gorman, J.R., Corey, S.L., Ginavan, I., Garcia, J. (2024) “Just for pregnant women, not for you”: a qualitative evaluation of the sexual and reproductive healthcare experiences of transgender and gender diverse cancer survivors Journal of Cancer Survivorship 18(3)

Corey, S.L., Ari, A., Sonpatki, M., Drizin, J.H., Gorman, J.R. (2024) “Infertility Isn’t a Choice!”: Conversations on Twitter about the Financial Burden of Oncofertility Care Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology

2023

Drizin, J.H., Kahn, J.M., Faltesek, D., Gorman, J.R (2023) Health Care Provider Perceptions of Using Social Media to Improve Sexual Health for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology 12(6)