The Behavioural Research Unit sits within Cancer Council SA and conducts monitoring, applied research and evaluation to inform the development of Cancer Council SA’s cancer control programs and services.
The objectives of the Behavioural Research Unit are to:
- Undertake monitoring of progress in cancer control indicators—behaviours, attitudes and knowledge—at the population level, including smoking prevalence, obesity, alcohol consumption, sun protective behaviours, physical activity, screening participation and dietary intake.
- Conduct applied research to inform the development of cancer control strategies and programs, for example evaluating the effectiveness cancer support programs and prevention programs such as the SunSmart Schools and Early Childhood Program.
- Ensure methodological and conceptual rigour by seeking peer review of evaluation studies and disseminating results.
- Participate in applied research and evaluation projects in cancer control at the national level.
The team work closely with the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work and the College of Medicine and Public Health at Flinders University, and the School of Psychology in UniSA Justice and Society. Together they are interested in people’s knowledge, attitude, and behaviours and the decisions people make that may led to healthy or unhealthy behaviours in the area of cancer control, as well as research into the psychosocial impact of cancer on those directly and indirectly affected by cancer.