IHRP Researcher Honored by Oncology Nursing Society

Carol Ferrans, professor and associate dean for research at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing, was presented with the Distinguished Researcher Award from the Oncology Nursing Society at the organization's annual meeting on May 16 in Philadelphia.

The Oncology Nursing Society is a professional organization of more than 35,000 registered nurses and other health care providers dedicated to excellence in patient care, education, research and administration in oncology nursing.

The Distinguished Researcher Award recognizes the contributions of a member who has conducted or promoted research that has enhanced the science and practice of oncology nursing.

"This is a tremendous honor and I am absolutely delighted to be the recipient," Ferrans said. "This award is essentially the 'Hall of Fame' for cancer researchers in the field of nursing."

Ferrans' work has addressed quality of life throughout the timeline of cancer care, including early detection and treatment, long-term survivorship, and end of life. A critically important focus of Ferrans' research has been aimed at understanding and reducing disparities in cancer outcomes, access and care.

Along with her work as professor and associate dean, Ferrans serves as deputy director of the UIC Center for Population Health and Health Disparities, which focuses on the factors contributing to late-stage diagnosis of breast cancer in African-American and Hispanic women. She is also a leader of the Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force, which works to find solutions to the racial divide in early detection and treatment of the disease.

Ferrans' research has had worldwide impact through the development of the Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index. Scores are calculated for overall quality of life and in four areas: health and functioning, psychological/spiritual, social and economic and family. The index has been translated into 21 languages and has been used in more than 200 published studies.

Ferrans has received a number of awards for her work and has been recognized as a Distinguished Research Fellow by the International Society for Quality of Life Studies.

This news release was written by Sam Hostettler of the UIC News Bureau. Media representatives seeking more information can contact Sam at (312) 355-2522 or samhos@uic.edu.

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