Improving quality of life, resilience, and long-term outcomes for people affected by cancer

A cancer diagnosis affects far more than physical health. Work Stream 3 investigates the psychological, social, functional, and economic consequences of women’s cancers, from diagnosis and treatment through survivorship, and across generations. By understanding these broader impacts, we aim to improve quality of life for patients, families, and society.

We integrate patient-reported outcomes, clinical information, genomic data, and Swedish health, education, employment, and family registers to better understand how cancer influences mental health, daily functioning, work, family life, and long-term wellbeing. This includes studying psychological resilience, quality of life, and the intergenerational consequences of cancer for children and families.

A key focus is identifying factors that promote resilience and recovery. By combining biological, psychological, and social determinants, we seek to understand why some individuals adapt well after cancer while others experience persistent physical or emotional challenges. This knowledge will inform more personalized survivorship care and support.

The work stream also develops and evaluates innovative psychosocial interventions, digital health tools, and family-centered support programs designed together with patients and healthcare professionals. The goal is to translate research into practical resources that strengthen mental health, improve everyday functioning, facilitate return to work, and support families throughout the cancer journey.

Participating investigators

Ingrid Hedenfalk, Ida Skarping, Lao Saal, Lisa Rydén, Luciana Quarantana, Marlene Malmström, Päivi Kannisto, Pamela Buschwald, Stenven Schmidt, Therese Nilsson 

Research focus

• Understand the psychological, social, and economic consequences of women’s cancers across the life course.
• Identify biological, psychological, and social determinants of resilience, recovery, and quality of life.
• Investigate the long-term and intergenerational impacts of cancer on patients and families.
• Develop and evaluate psychosocial, digital, and family-centered interventions.
• Improve survivorship care, mental health support, and return-to-work outcomes.
• Translate research into evidence-based resources, care pathways, and policy recommendations.