Future directions in early detection research. A response to Drs. Bloom and Richardson.

Abstract

We are on the threshold of a new era in behavioral research. New discoveries in basic science, especially in genetics, mean that we know much more about how to prevent cancer and identify populations at risk for the disease. We have witnessed a shift from the use of the Health Belief Model as the dominant theoretical model to the use of Transtheoretical Model. The behavioral research agenda should include more collaborative trials, the use of common outcome measures, operationalization of the Transtheoretical Model, and interaction with geneticists to use the information about genetic causes of cancer. In addition, there should be more attention to the multiple health needs of people. We cannot continue to view cancer separately from other health problems, such as cardiovascular disease and violence.