The award was presented during Sylvester’s Annual Retreat in November. Selected by a committee of Sylvester leadership, including director Dr. Stephen Nimer, Dr. Moreno was selected for her impactful research, exemplary mentorship, and dedication to fostering collaborative studies that advance cancer prevention and survivorship care. 

Advancing Patient-Centered Research and Care

Throughout her career, Dr. Moreno has led efforts to transform cancer survivorship care.  

Dr. Moreno leads the CARES Lab (Cancer Adaptation, Resilience, and Empowerment Support), which is dedicated to serving the cancer community through research, community engagement, and psychosocial support. 

Through the CARES Lab, Dr. Moreno and her team aim to understand the significant challenges faced by individuals coping with cancer and improve outcomes across the cancer continuum. By developing patient-centered, empirically-supported interventions, the lab addresses disparities in cancer prevention and control among Hispanic/Latino and other diverse populations. 

Her work has been supported by grants from leading organizations, including the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the American Cancer Society and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.

By translating research into actionable clinical practices, Dr. Moreno has improved the quality of life for patients transitioning from hospital-based care to community-based support. She addresses the psychosocial needs of cancer survivors and their families, ensuring that patients not only survive but thrive after treatment.

National Advocacy and Stress Reduction Research 

In 2023, Dr. Moreno contributed to a White House Cancer Moonshot briefing through the National Minority Quality Forum’s Cancer Stage Shifting Initiative. She shared the importance of community partnership in eliminating disparities in cancer care, focusing on barriers such as screening gaps, medical mistrust, environmental exposures and patient navigation.

Her research also explores the connection between stress reduction and cancer survivorship.

A study she co-authored, published in the Annual Review of Psychology, revealed that psychological interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation training, can reduce stress, enhance emotional well-being, and potentially prolong survival in cancer patients.

Mentorship and Collaborative Excellence

Beyond her scientific achievements, Dr. Moreno is a dedicated mentor who has guided numerous graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty members, fostering a new generation of cancer researchers. 

Her mentorship fosters the development of future leaders in cancer research, equipping them with the skills needed to address disparities in prevention, treatment, and survivorship care. 

Dr. Moreno’s collaborative work spans three NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers, where she has provided evidence-based care to English- and Spanish-speaking cancer survivors and their families. This extensive experience informs her translational research efforts, ensuring that her findings have a real-world impact. 

As an active member of Sylvester’s research programs, Dr. Moreno continues to champion evidence-based approaches that prioritize patient well-being beyond the treatment phase. Her contributions serve as a model for integrating scientific discovery with compassionate patient care, ensuring that research findings translate into meaningful improvements in patients' lives.

Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published on November 19, 2024.