Research Highlights

My career has centered on improving the quality and effectiveness of cancer screening and care. My research has made a real-world impact on patient care and disease prevention. Below is a summary of some of my key contributions. 

Evaluating Diagnostic Technologies and Novel Screening Strategies

  • Assessed breast cancer screening performance with new technologies: digital mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis, MRI, and supplemental surveillance

  • Collaborated on the development and validation of AI algorithms for breast cancer screening

  • Evaluated self-collected human papillomavirus testing for cervical cancer screening

  • Investigated the performance and implementation of liquid biopsies for multi-cancer early detection and cancers of unknown primary origin

These studies have established benchmarks for emerging technologies, examined their effectiveness in diverse populations, and informed novel screening strategy integration into clinical practice. 

Risk Prediction

  • Conducted external validation studies to assess the generalizability of high-performing AI algorithms for breast cancer risk prediction

  • Compared AI algorithms with traditional clinical risk prediction models

  • Collaborated to develop and validate risk-predictive models for breast cancer, including those incorporating breast density, and tailored to specific populations

This work has advanced risk-stratified screening approaches, refining the selection of screening modalities and their frequency. 

Population-Based Cancer Screening

  • Conducted large-scale embedded pragmatic trials testing innovative approaches like mailed human papillomavirus self-sampling kits to increase cervical cancer screening participation, particularly among underserved and hard-to-reach populations

  • Defined performance benchmarks for screening and diagnostic breast imaging, including mammography and MRI, contributing to quality improvement and standardization in breast cancer screening

  • Evaluated the effect of implementing new cancer screening guidelines on patient outcomes, such as advanced breast cancer rates and population-based genetic screening uptake 

  • Explored the complex interplay of patient, provider, and system-level factors that influence adherence to cancer screening guidelines, leading to more targeted interventions and improved patient care 

This work has advanced population cancer screening approaches and has led to direct impacts on cancer screening guidelines from the US Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society.

Patient-Centered Research

  • Explored patient preferences and information needs regarding cancer screening, particularly for cervical cancer screening using human papillomavirus self-sampling kits

  • Investigated knowledge, perceptions, and decision-making regarding cancer screening leading to changes in health system outreach

  • Evaluated why individuals choose not to receive cancer screening - such as lung cancer screening - even after receiving a provider recommendation

  • Improved understanding of patient preferences and information needs for population-based cancer screening reminders

This research has identified areas for improving the uptake of cancer screening including the need for culturally sensitive intervention, patient education, shared decision-making, and developing tailored communication strategies to optimize patient experiences. 

Health Services and Outcomes Research

  • Examined the influence of health care delivery factors, such as travel time to facilities and primary care access, on cancer screening and treatment outcomes

  • Investigated the cost-effectiveness of various outreach methods for cervical cancer screening, including mailed human papillomavirus self-sampling kits, usual care reminders, and patient education materials

  • Evaluated disparities in cancer care, including access to treatment, leading to a better understanding of the factors influencing patient outcomes and the development of more equitable healthcare practices

  • Investigated multi-level factors on preventive care use, including the role of patient reminders, provider education, and health care system-level interventions

This research has provided valuable insights for healthcare systems seeking to optimize resource allocation and improve screening rates and treatment outcomes.