University of West Florida Assistant Professor of Public Health Karishma Chhabria Unrue has been awarded a nearly $825,000 grant through the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund to lead a statewide initiative focused on improving the health and well-being of breast and prostate cancer survivors, according to a June 27 announcement. The award is one of the largest externally funded research grants received by an assistant professor within the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health and marks a milestone for both Chhabria Unrue's research program through the Integrated Mental Health and Population Analytics for Clinical Translation (IMPACT) Lab and UWF's growing research enterprise.
While advances in screening and treatment have improved survival rates in breast and prostate cancer patients, many survivors continue to face lasting physical and emotional challenges. They are at increased risk for chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. These challenges can affect quality of life, increase healthcare utilization, and create additional burdens for survivors and their families.
To address these issues, Chhabria Unrue will lead 'Move & Nourish Florida,' an innovative lifestyle intervention designed to help cancer survivors improve their long-term health through nutrition, physical activity, and stress management. The program aims to be practical, accessible, and sustainable by providing survivors with tools they can incorporate into everyday life.
Participants in 'Move & Nourish Florida' will receive personalized support from healthcare professionals, including guidance on healthy eating, physical activity recommendations, and stress-management strategies. The program combines scientific evidence with hands-on approaches designed to fit into real life. It brings together experts from multiple departments at UWF as well as community partners such as Health and Hope Clinic, Community Health NorthWest Florida, and the Florida Department of Health.
"This funding allows us to translate research into action by working directly with cancer survivors and the communities that support them," Chhabria Unrue said. "Our goal is to develop evidence-based approaches that improve health outcomes and can ultimately be implemented across Florida."
