Dr. Recklitis' research interests are in the areas of health psychology and mental health outcomes of oncology patients. His research is focused on understanding the psychological late-effects of cancer, the development of effective screening measures for detecting distress, and the best methods for encouraging health protective behaviors in cancer survivors. Dr. Recklitis' projects include an evaluation of a mental health screening program for a long-term survivor clinic, a study of depressin and suicidality in adult survivors of childhood cancer, an investigation of response bias in self-reported quality-of-life in Hodgkin's disease survivors, and an intervention study using Ultraviolet Light Photography to increase sun protection behaviors in cancer survivors. He is the Principal Investigator of Project REACH, a longitudinal study of health outcomes in more than 800 locally treated cancer survivors. His work has been supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute, Lance Armstrong Foundation, American Foundation for the Prevention of Suicide, and the Childhood Brain Tumor Foundation.
Research Background
Dr. Recklitis completed his PhD in clinical psychology at Boston University and his master's degree in public health at the Harvard School of Public Health.
Publications
Brief, Family-Centered, Videoconference-Based Behavioral Insomnia Program in Elementary School-Aged Pediatric Cancer Survivors: A Proof-of-Concept Study. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2025 Mar; 72(3):e31517. View Abstract
Reddit for research recruitment? Social media as a novel clinical trial recruitment tool for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. J Cancer Surviv. 2024 Dec 05. View Abstract
Sleep Treatment Education Program for Cancer Survivors: Protocol for an Efficacy Trial. JMIR Res Protoc. 2024 Nov 28; 13:e60762. View Abstract
Sexual health in adult survivors of childhood cancer: A Project REACH study. Cancer. 2024 Sep 01; 130(17):3023-3033. View Abstract
Correction to: Cancer survivorship programs at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. J Cancer Surviv. 2024 Apr 12. View Abstract
A retrospective cost-effectiveness analysis of different cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia intervention delivery approaches in adult cancer survivors. Psychooncology. 2024 Mar; 33(3):e6327. View Abstract
Cancer survivorship programs at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. J Cancer Surviv. 2024 02; 18(1):34-41. View Abstract
Sleep Treatment Education Program for Young Adult Cancer Survivors (STEP-YA): Protocol for an Efficacy Trial. JMIR Res Protoc. 2023 Nov 29; 12:e52315. View Abstract
When Cancer Centers Snooze, Patients Lose: It is Time to Make Insomnia a Priority for Survivors. JCO Oncol Pract. 2024 02; 20(2):169-172. View Abstract
Evaluating SunSmart: a brief educational intervention promoting sun protection in young adult cancer survivors. J Cancer Surviv. 2025 Apr; 19(2):448-457. View Abstract
Screening young adult cancer survivors for depression and anxiety with the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD): Comparisons with a structured clinical diagnostic interview. Psychooncology. 2023 07; 32(7):1122-1129. View Abstract
Evaluating posttraumatic stress in young adult cancer survivors: Implications of revised DSM-5 traumatic event criteria. Psychooncology. 2023 06; 32(6):895-903. View Abstract
Genome-wide association study of posttraumatic stress disorder among childhood cancer survivors: results from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study and the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort. Transl Psychiatry. 2022 08 23; 12(1):342. View Abstract
Evaluating sensitive symptoms in young adult cancer survivors: acceptability of suicidal ideation and sexual health items across administration modes. J Cancer Surviv. 2024 04; 18(2):450-456. View Abstract
Evaluating the Sleep Treatment Education Program (STEP-1): A single-session educational workshop addressing insomnia in cancer survivors. J Psychosoc Oncol. 2023; 41(1):123-132. View Abstract
Recommendations for the surveillance of mental health problems in childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors: a report from the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group. Lancet Oncol. 2022 04; 23(4):e184-e196. View Abstract
Validation of the Three-Item Insomnia Severity Index Short Form in Young Adult Cancer Survivors: Comparison with a Structured Diagnostic Interview. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol. 2022 12; 11(6):596-599. View Abstract
Randomized Waitlist-Control Trial of a Web-Based Stress-Management and Resiliency Program for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: Protocol for the Bounce Back Study. JMIR Res Protoc. 2022 Jan 26; 11(1):e34033. View Abstract
The effect of pediatric central nervous system tumors on identity in young adult survivors: a project REACH study. J Cancer Surviv. 2023 10; 17(5):1347-1358. View Abstract
The Effect of Pediatric Cancer on Identity in Young Adult Survivors: Results from Project REACH. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol. 2022 06; 11(3):297-303. View Abstract
Validating the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Short Form v1.0-Anxiety 8a in a sample of young adult cancer survivors: Comparison with a structured clinical diagnostic interview. Cancer. 2021 10 01; 127(19):3691-3697. View Abstract
A population-based psychometric analysis of the insomnia severity index in black women with and without a history of cancer. J Sleep Res. 2022 02; 31(1):e13421. View Abstract
Long-Term Neurocognitive and Psychosocial Outcomes After Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Childhood Cancer Survivor Study Report. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2021 04 06; 113(4):481-495. View Abstract
Providing Effective Mental Health Support for Oncology Health-Care Workers in the COVID-19 Era: Responding Quickly but Carefully. JNCI Cancer Spectr. 2021 Jun; 5(3):pkab031. View Abstract
Virtual visits as long-term follow-up care for childhood cancer survivors: Patient and provider satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2021 06; 68(6):e28927. View Abstract
Validation of the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) for identifying insomnia in young adult cancer survivors: comparison with a structured clinical diagnostic interview of the DSM-5 (SCID-5). Sleep Med. 2021 05; 81:80-85. View Abstract
Sleep in young-adult cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Clin Sleep Med. 2020 11 15; 16(11):1991. View Abstract
Evaluating the Brief Parental Intake Form (BPIF) for psychosocial difficulties in childhood cancer survivors. Psychooncology. 2020 10; 29(10):1510-1512. View Abstract
Long-Term Psychosocial Well-Being and Quality of Life Among Childhood Cancer Survivors Who Developed a Subsequent Malignant Neoplasm. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol. 2021 04; 10(2):240-245. View Abstract
Posttraumatic stress in breast cancer survivors diagnosed at a young age. Psychooncology. 2020 08; 29(8):1312-1320. View Abstract
Internet-delivered insomnia intervention improves sleep and quality of life for adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2020 09; 67(9):e28506. View Abstract
Patterns of self-reported care in a cohort of prostate cancer survivors: Implications for risk-stratified care. J Geriatr Oncol. 2020 09; 11(7):1164-1167. View Abstract
Pediatric hematology and oncology fellow education in sexual and reproductive health: A survey of fellowship program directors in the United States. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2020 05; 67(5):e28245. View Abstract
Screening young adult cancer survivors with the PROMIS Depression Short Form (PROMIS-D-SF): Comparison with a structured clinical diagnostic interview. Cancer. 2020 04 01; 126(7):1568-1575. View Abstract
Developing efficient and effective behavioral treatment for insomnia in cancer survivors: Results of a stepped care trial. Cancer. 2020 01 01; 126(1):165-173. View Abstract
Sexual health and rehabilitation after ovarian suppression treatment (SHARE-OS): a clinical intervention for young breast cancer survivors. J Cancer Surviv. 2020 02; 14(1):26-30. View Abstract
Prevalence and Correlates of Pain in Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Pediatric Brain Tumors. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol. 2019 12; 8(6):641-648. View Abstract
How does a single session group intervention improve sexual function in ovarian cancer survivors? A secondary analysis of effects of self-efficacy, knowledge and emotional distress. Psychol Health Med. 2020 01; 25(1):110-120. View Abstract
Finding sexual health aids after cancer: are cancer centers supporting survivors' needs? J Cancer Surviv. 2019 04; 13(2):224-230. View Abstract
Psychometric properties of the Insomnia Severity Index in cancer survivors. Psychooncology. 2019 03; 28(3):540-546. View Abstract
Utilization of integrated psychosocial care in a pediatric cancer survivorship clinic: A retrospective medical record review. Psychooncology. 2019 02; 28(2):439-441. View Abstract
Open-label placebo reduces fatigue in cancer survivors: a randomized trial. Support Care Cancer. 2019 Jun; 27(6):2179-2187. View Abstract
Preferences for Help With a Sleep Problem Before Starting Cancer Treatment. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2019 01; 57(1):e5-e8. View Abstract
Sleepless from the Get Go: Sleep Problems Prior to Initiating Cancer Treatment. Int J Behav Med. 2018 Oct; 25(5):502-516. View Abstract
Adolescent and Young Adult Brain Tumor Survivors Report Increased Anxiety Even Years After Successful Treatment for Relapse. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol. 2019 02; 8(1):90-93. View Abstract
Psychological Symptoms, Social Outcomes, Socioeconomic Attainment, and Health Behaviors Among Survivors of Childhood Cancer: Current State of the Literature. J Clin Oncol. 2018 07 20; 36(21):2190-2197. View Abstract
Mental health insurance access and utilization among childhood cancer survivors: a report from the childhood cancer survivor study. J Cancer Surviv. 2018 08; 12(4):528-536. View Abstract
Improvement in sexual function after ovarian cancer: Effects of sexual therapy and rehabilitation after treatment for ovarian cancer. Cancer. 2018 Jan 01; 124(1):176-182. View Abstract
Three sides to a story: Child, parent, and nurse perspectives on the child's experience during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Cancer. 2017 Aug 15; 123(16):3159-3166. View Abstract
Using Appearance-Based Messages to Increase Sun Protection in Adolescent Young Adult Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study of Ultraviolet Light Photography. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol. 2017 Sep; 6(3):477-481. View Abstract
Validity of the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18) for identifying depression and anxiety in young adult cancer survivors: Comparison with a Structured Clinical Diagnostic Interview. Psychol Assess. 2017 Oct; 29(10):1189-1200. View Abstract
Provision of integrated psychosocial services for cancer survivors post-treatment. Lancet Oncol. 2017 01; 18(1):e39-e50. View Abstract
Validation of Three Previously Developed Short Forms of the Beck Depression Inventory for Youth: A Replication. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol. 2017 Mar; 6(1):190-192. View Abstract
Evaluation and treatment of insomnia in adult cancer survivorship programs. J Cancer Surviv. 2017 02; 11(1):74-79. View Abstract
Physical and emotional health information needs and preferences of long-term prostate cancer survivors. Patient Educ Couns. 2016 12; 99(12):2049-2054. View Abstract
Comorbid symptoms of emotional distress in adult survivors of childhood cancer. Cancer. 2016 Oct 15; 122(20):3215-3224. View Abstract
A pilot videoconference group stress management program in cancer survivors: lessons learned. Rural Remote Health. 2016 Apr-Jun; 16(2):3863. View Abstract
Sexual Dysfunction in Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2016 09; 63(9):1622-8. View Abstract
Fatigue in adolescent and adult survivors of non-CNS childhood cancer: a report from project REACH. Support Care Cancer. 2016 09; 24(9):3951-9. View Abstract
Adapted Delivery of Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study. Behav Sleep Med. 2017 Jul-Aug; 15(4):288-301. View Abstract
Screening for fatigue in adolescent and young adult pediatric brain tumor survivors: accuracy of a single-item screening measure. Support Care Cancer. 2016 08; 24(8):3581-7. View Abstract
A pilot trial of brief group cognitive-behavioral treatment for insomnia in an adult cancer survivorship program. Psychooncology. 2017 06; 26(6):843-848. View Abstract
Screening young adult cancer survivors for distress with the Distress Thermometer: Comparisons with a structured clinical diagnostic interview. Cancer. 2016 Jan 15; 122(2):296-303. View Abstract
Parent Outlook: How Parents View the Road Ahead as They Embark on Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Their Child. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 2016 Jan; 22(1):104-11. View Abstract
Tobacco Use Among Siblings of Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Report From the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2016 Feb; 63(2):326-33. View Abstract
Medical and Psychosocial Correlates of Insomnia Symptoms in Adult Survivors of Pediatric Brain Tumors. J Pediatr Psychol. 2016 Jul; 41(6):623-30. View Abstract
The impact of pediatric blood and marrow transplant on parents: introduction of the parent impact scale. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2015 Apr 09; 13:46. View Abstract
Childhood Cancer Survivor Study participants' perceptions and understanding of the Affordable Care Act. J Clin Oncol. 2015 Mar 01; 33(7):764-72. View Abstract
Addressing sexual dysfunction after risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy: effects of a brief, psychosexual intervention. J Sex Med. 2015 Jan; 12(1):189-97. View Abstract
Development and preliminary validation of a short form of the Beck Depression Inventory for Youth (BDI-Y) in a sample of adolescent cancer survivors. J Cancer Surviv. 2015 Mar; 9(1):107-14. View Abstract
Identifying suicidal symptoms in prostate cancer survivors using brief self-report. J Cancer Surviv. 2015 Mar; 9(1):59-67. View Abstract
Suicidal ideation in prostate cancer survivors: understanding the role of physical and psychological health outcomes. Cancer. 2014 Nov 01; 120(21):3393-400. View Abstract
Insomnia in adult survivors of childhood cancer: a report from project REACH. Support Care Cancer. 2014 Nov; 22(11):3061-9. View Abstract
Effects of a gift certificate incentive and specialized delivery on prostate cancer survivors' response rate to a mailed survey: a randomized-controlled trial. J Geriatr Oncol. 2014 Apr; 5(2):127-32. View Abstract
Suicide ideation and associated mortality in adult survivors of childhood cancer. Cancer. 2014 Jan 15; 120(2):271-7. View Abstract
Longitudinal patterns of psychological distress in adult survivors of childhood cancer. Br J Cancer. 2013 Sep 03; 109(5):1373-81. View Abstract
Screening for pain in pediatric brain tumor survivors using the pain thermometer. J Pediatr Oncol Nurs. 2013 Sep-Oct; 30(5):249-59. View Abstract
Sexual function in childhood cancer survivors: a report from Project REACH. J Sex Med. 2013 Aug; 10(8):2084-93. View Abstract
The feasibility of psychosocial screening for adolescent and young adult brain tumor survivors: the value of self-report. J Cancer Surviv. 2012 Dec; 6(4):379-87. View Abstract
Influence of new late effects on quality of life over time in Hodgkin lymphoma Survivors: a longitudinal survey study. Ann Oncol. 2013 Jan; 24(1):226-30. View Abstract
Childhood Cancer Survivor Study participants' perceptions and knowledge of health insurance coverage: implications for the Affordable Care Act. J Cancer Surviv. 2012 Sep; 6(3):251-9. View Abstract
Cancer prevention and screening practices of siblings of childhood cancer survivors: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2012 Jul; 21(7):1078-88. View Abstract
Does the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 case rule apply in adult survivors of childhood cancer? Comparison with the Symptom Checklist-90. J Pediatr Psychol. 2012 Jul; 37(6):650-9. View Abstract
Employment and insurance in survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma and their siblings: a questionnaire study. Leuk Lymphoma. 2012 Aug; 53(8):1474-80. View Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in survivors of Hodgkin's lymphoma: prevalence of PTSD and partial PTSD compared with sibling controls. Psychooncology. 2013 Feb; 22(2):434-40. View Abstract
Sun exposure in young adult cancer survivors on and off the beach: results from Project REACH. J Cancer Surviv. 2012 Mar; 6(1):63-71. View Abstract
Can the distress thermometer (DT) identify significant psychological distress in long-term cancer survivors? A comparison with the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18). Support Care Cancer. 2012 Jan; 20(1):195-8. View Abstract
Children's psychological distress during pediatric HSCT: parent and child perspectives. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2012 Feb; 58(2):289-96. View Abstract
Sexual functioning in long-term survivors of Hodgkin's lymphoma. Psychooncology. 2010 Nov; 19(11):1229-33. View Abstract
Psychological outcomes of siblings of cancer survivors: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. Psychooncology. 2011 Dec; 20(12):1259-68. View Abstract
Health status of the oldest adult survivors of cancer during childhood. Cancer. 2010 Jan 15; 116(2):497-505. View Abstract
General internist communication about sexual function with cancer survivors. J Gen Intern Med. 2009 Nov; 24 Suppl 2:S407-11. View Abstract
Suicide ideation in adult survivors of childhood cancer: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. J Clin Oncol. 2010 Feb 01; 28(4):655-61. View Abstract
Caring for cancer survivors: a survey of primary care physicians. Cancer. 2009 Sep 15; 115(18 Suppl):4409-18. View Abstract
Psychological distress in long-term survivors of adult-onset cancer: results from a national survey. Arch Intern Med. 2009 Jul 27; 169(14):1274-81. View Abstract
Psychometric research and clinical screening: do we really want one without the other? Psychooncology. 2009 Jul; 18(7):789-90. View Abstract
Psychological status in childhood cancer survivors: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. J Clin Oncol. 2009 May 10; 27(14):2396-404. View Abstract
Money talks: non-monetary incentive and Internet administration fail to increase response rates to a physician survey. J Clin Epidemiol. 2009 Feb; 62(2):224-6. View Abstract
Reliability and validity of the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study Neurocognitive Questionnaire. Cancer. 2008 Oct 15; 113(8):2188-97. View Abstract
Screening cancer patients' families with the distress thermometer (DT): a validation study. Psychooncology. 2008 Oct; 17(10):959-66. View Abstract
Addressing psychological challenges after cancer: a guide for clinical practice. Oncology (Williston Park). 2008 Oct; 22(11 Suppl Nurse Ed):11-20. View Abstract
Psychosocial outcomes and health-related quality of life in adult childhood cancer survivors: a report from the childhood cancer survivor study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2008 Feb; 17(2):435-46. View Abstract
Health practice in long-term survivors of Hodgkin's lymphoma. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2008 Jun 01; 71(2):468-76. View Abstract
Complementary and alternative therapy use in adult survivors of childhood cancer: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2008 Jan; 50(1):90-7. View Abstract
Screening adult survivors of childhood cancer with the distress thermometer: a comparison with the SCL-90-R. Psychooncology. 2007 Nov; 16(11):1046-9. View Abstract
Behavioral and social outcomes in adolescent survivors of childhood cancer: a report from the childhood cancer survivor study. J Clin Oncol. 2007 Aug 20; 25(24):3649-56. View Abstract
The effects of response bias on self-reported quality of life among childhood cancer survivors. Qual Life Res. 2007 Sep; 16(7):1211-20. View Abstract
Screening childhood cancer survivors with the brief symptom inventory-18: classification agreement with the symptom checklist-90-revised. Psychooncology. 2007 May; 16(5):429-36. View Abstract
Suicidal ideation and attempts in adult survivors of childhood cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2006 Aug 20; 24(24):3852-7. View Abstract
Feasibility and validity of a one-item fatigue screen in a thoracic oncology clinic. J Thorac Oncol. 2006 Jun; 1(5):454-9. View Abstract
Factor structure of the brief symptom inventory--18 in adult survivors of childhood cancer: results from the childhood cancer survivor study. Psychol Assess. 2006 Mar; 18(1):22-32. View Abstract
A comparison between long-term survivors of Hodgkin's disease and their siblings on fatigue level and factors predicting for increased fatigue. Ann Oncol. 2005 Dec; 16(12):1949-55. View Abstract
Aggressive behavior in the adolescent psychiatric patient: a clinical-developmental perspective. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev. 2004; 34(4):341-61. View Abstract
Health status of adult long-term survivors of childhood cancer: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. JAMA. 2003 Sep 24; 290(12):1583-92. View Abstract
Parents' decision-making preferences in pediatric oncology: the relationship to health care involvement and complementary therapy use. Psychooncology. 2003 Jul-Aug; 12(5):442-52. View Abstract
Utility of routine psychological screening in the childhood cancer survivor clinic. J Clin Oncol. 2003 Mar 01; 21(5):787-92. View Abstract
Clinical and developmental perspectives on adolescent coping. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev. 1999; 30(2):87-101. View Abstract
Development of a short form of the adolescent version of the Defense Mechanisms Inventory. J Pers Assess. 1995 Apr; 64(2):360-70. View Abstract
Adolescent suicide and defensive style. Suicide Life Threat Behav. 1992; 22(3):374-87. View Abstract
The relationship between defenses and symptoms in adolescent psychopathology. J Pers Assess. 1990; 54(1-2):311-27. View Abstract