Childhood cancer is a rare disease, affecting about 350 children per year. Currently, more than 85% of children with cancer can be cured, but the harsh treatment can affect general health. Childhood cancer survivors are thus at higher risk for chronic health conditions than the general population, making a healthy lifestyle even more important. We know little about determinants and predictors of health behaviors in childhood cancer survivors. In this PhD project you will investigate health behaviors, such as physical activity, nutrition, smoking and alcohol use, and explore their determinants and trends over time. You will be able to analyze existing data from over 4000 cancer survivors from the nation-wide Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (SCCSS) and to design short additional online questionnaires. The study has a participatory approach, collaborating closely with cancer survivors and their parents to plan the study, discuss findings and develop interventions adapted to this vulnerable group.

The Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (SCCSS, https://www.swiss-ccss.ch) is a broad research program on long-term health, psychosocial outcomes and quality of life after childhood cancer, with national studies and several international collaborations. You will be part of a dynamic and multidisciplinary team and work closely with researchers, epidemiologists, data managers, other PhD students, and clinicians. You will gain an in-depth understanding of epidemiological and biostatistical techniques, conduct questionnaire surveys, present your results at (inter)national conferences, and publish in peer-reviewed journals.