PHILADELPHIA (March 10, 2021)—Jennifer Barsky Reese, PhD, associate professor for the Cancer Prevention and Control Program at Fox Chase Cancer Center, was recently recognized with the New Investigator Award from the American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS).
“I am extremely honored to get this award. This is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of addressing sexual health and quality of life for individuals after cancer,” said Reese. “I’m grateful for the award and recognition, and hope this might spur other researchers to ask important questions and try to develop approaches to address the issue of cancer-related sexual dysfunction and well-being.”
The New Investigator Award is presented to an APOS member within ten years of them completing their highest level of training. The awardees are recognized for contributing outstanding research in the field of psychosocial oncology.
Potential recipients of the award can nominate themselves or others by submitting a nomination letter, curriculum vitae, a statement from the nominee highlighting significant research accomplishments in the area of psychosocial oncology, and copies of publications that represent the candidate’s work in the area. Reese’s submission described her work on addressing sexual issues related to cancer treatment.
“Despite being included in clinical guidelines for cancer care, sexual health remains critically under-addressed, with serious implications for survivors’ psychosocial well-being. My research addresses the problem of sexual sequelae of cancer treatments,” Reese said in her statement of research.
Reese is a behavioral scientist and licensed psychologist who received her PhD in clinical psychology from Rutgers University. At Fox Chase, her research focus is designing, evaluating, and disseminating methods for improving intimacy, interpersonal functioning, and quality of life among those with cancer.
In addition to her work as an associate professor, she is chair-elect of the Scientific Network on Female Sexual Health and Cancer and serves as an associate editor of the journal Annals of Behavioral Medicine and on the editorial board of the journal Psycho-Oncology.
APOS is the only organization in the United States dedicated to researching and treating psychosocial aspects of cancer, according to the group’s website. The organization works to advance the science of psychosocial oncology as well as bring together professionals studying the psychosocial, behavioral, and social aspects of cancer.
Reese will be recognized with the award during the 18th APOS Annual Conference, which will be held virtually on March 10, 2021.