Dejana Braithwaite, Ph.D.
Professor, Depts. of Surgery, Radiology & Epidemiology
The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 18.6 million people in the United States are living after a cancer diagnosis, a number projected to exceed 22 million by 2035. As cancer survivorship becomes increasingly common, there is a growing need to address the everyday factors that shape recovery, quality of life, and long-term health.
Nutrition is one of the most important and modifiable of these factors, yet many survivors face challenges such as poor appetite, weight change, treatment-related symptoms, food insecurity, and difficulty accessing practical support. Florida ASCENT is a multi-site study designed to test whether adding nutrition support and social context to survivorship care can improve outcomes for cancer survivors across Florida.
The study combines digital navigation with nutrition-focused support to identify survivor needs earlier and connect participants with tailored resources. By focusing on a prevalent, modifiable need in a growing survivor population, Florida ASCENT aims to move survivorship care from passive follow-up toward proactive, scalable support that can improve health after cancer diagnosis.
Dejana Braithwaite, PhD, MSc is Professor of Surgery, Radiology and Epidemiology and Associate Director for Cancer Prevention and Control at the University of Florida Health Cancer Institute. Her research focuses on cancer screening and survivorship research to improve outcomes for cancer survivors in real-world settings.
Core Standards
SC.912.L.16.8
Explain the relationship between mutation, cell cycle, and uncontrolled cell growth potentially resulting in cancer.
SC.912.N.1.6
Describe how scientific inferences are drawn from scientific observations and provide examples from the content being studied.
SC.912.N.1.4 Identify sources of information and assess their reliability according to the strict standards of scientific investigation.
HE.912.PHC.3.1
Determine the value of applying a thoughtful decision making process in health-related situations.
HE.912.PHC.3.8
Formulate a plan to attain a personal health goal that addresses strengths, needs, barriers, and risks.
HE.912.PHC.3.9
Implement strategies and monitor progress in achieving a personal health goal.
