The Tercyak Lab investigates the developmental, behavioral, and social dimensions of cancer prevention and control across the lifespan. Our research examines how individuals and families understand, communicate about, and respond to cancer risk--and how evidence-based education, decision support, counseling, and behavioral interventions can improve health outcomes.

Our work spans public health genomics and hereditary cancer, tobacco prevention and cessation, skin cancer and UVR risk reduction, HPV vaccination, cancer survivorship, and supportive oncology. Through clinical effectiveness research, we develop and evaluate interventions delivered through families, schools, healthcare systems, community organizations, peer-navigation programs, and digital technologies. Across these areas, we seek to translate advances in cancer prevention into practical, developmentally appropriate strategies that are accessible to diverse and medically underserved populations.

A central focus of the lab is the impact of cancer and inherited cancer risk on families. We study how parents communicate with children and adolescents about cancer, genetic testing, and genomic risk; how young people understand and adapt to this information; and how cancer affects parenting, coping, family relationships, and children’s emotional well-being. This work informs supportive care approaches that help families make informed choices, communicate effectively, and adapt throughout the cancer continuum.

The Tercyak Lab is part of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Based in Washington, DC, we conduct community-engaged and healthcare-based research throughout the metropolitan region and collaborate with investigators, clinicians, educators, advocates, and community partners across the US.