The Psychosocial Impact of Being At Risk for Cancer
The main focus of Dr. Esplen's research is to investigate the psychosocial impact of being at risk for cancer and to design, develop and test psychosocial and psychotherapy interventions for individuals and families with a genetic predisposition to cancer.
This line of research is geared towards examining the impact of genetic testing and genetic predisposition on psychosocial functioning, health and lifestyle behaviours, particularly in the areas of breast, ovarian, pancreatic and colorectal cancers.
Dr. Esplen also has a strong interest in women's mental health and women-centered psychotherapies. Other areas of interest include psycho-oncology, guided imagery techniques, mindfulness-based stress reduction and group therapy modalities among various populations, such as pain populations, HIV risk and medical populations. She is a consultant with the Wasser Pain Management Centre, assisting men and women with chronic pelvic region pain.
Her areas of research include the following areas of expertise: psychosocial and psychotherapy interventions, coping with mental illness, eating disorders, women and mental health, group psychotherapy, and genetic testing.
Dr. Esplen is current President of the Canadian Association of Psycho-Oncology and past chair of the Psychosocial Subcommittee, Ontario Provincial Advisory Board for New Technologies in Genetics. She continues to work with the Ministry of Health as a member of the Advisory Committee for New Genetics Services, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care
Additional Appointments
- NCIC Scientist / CIHR Scientist
- Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
- Associate Professor, Cross-Appointments to Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto and The Centre for Research In Women's Health
- Head, Program of Psychosocial and Psychotherapy Research in Cancer Genetics
- Director, de Souza Institute, Toronto
