About

The IBeChange is European project funded under the framework of the Horizon 2023 call topic “HORIZON-MISS-2023-CANCER-01 – IBeCHANGE – Addressing psychosocial and lifestyle risk factors to promote primary cancer prevention: an integrated platform to promote behavioral change.” Recognizing the significant global burden of cancer caused by potentially modifiable behavioral, environmental, and psychosocial factors, there is a pressing need for widespread programs promoting Behavior Change (BC)Behavior Change (BC)BC refers to the process of intentionally altering a behavior, such as quitting smoking or adopting a healthier diet. It involves setting specific goals, developing a plan of action, and systematically tracking progress over time. BC often incorporates various strategies and techniques aimed at modifying habits or patterns of behavior to achieve desired outcomes. and Emotional Management (EM)Emotional Management (EM)EM refers to the ability to regulate one's emotions in response to different situations, challenges, or stimuli. It involves recognizing, understanding, and effectively managing one's own emotions to maintain psychological well-being and interpersonal relationships. EM encompasses skills such as emotional awareness, self-control, empathy, and resilience, which enable individuals to navigate life's ups and downs with greater ease and adaptability..

In response to this need, the IBeChange project aims to design, develop, and test the iBeChange platform. This innovative system is focused on facilitating sustainable behavioral change and emotion management, with a specific emphasis on behaviors scientifically proven to reduce cancer incidence and mortality. IBeChange proposes a new approach that will combine machine learning models with health psychology theories and clinical guidelines to identify effective interventions that can help individuals to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

The project will be carried out using a multidimensional approach:

• Interventions will be developed based on a theory-driven approach to behavioral change.
• Data collected from self-administered questionnaires will be supplemented with real-world data gathered from wearable sensors (e.g., smartwatches).
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques and Reinforcement Learning algorithms will be employed to deliver timely and highly personalized recommendations and support for behavioral change through an adapted interface.
• A co-creation approach will be adopted, applying participatory co-design principles and practices to involve all relevant stakeholders in every phase of the eHealth technology design process.
• An impact assessment of the iBeChange system will be conducted to continuously improve its effectiveness.

A prerequisite for the success of our study is interdisciplinary collaboration that transcends technical or medical fields, fostering connections with everyday social life.

The project has several specific objectives:

• Stimulate sustainable Behavioral Change toward behaviors known to reduce the risk of developing cancer.
• Establish recommendations and guidelines for policymakers to support systemic transformations toward healthy environments that promote primary cancer prevention.
• Provide scientific evidence and impact analysis on the delivery of a comprehensive healthcare program for individuals at risk of breast, colorectal, and lung cancer.

By harnessing digital health interventions, the iBeChange platform seeks to empower individuals to proactively manage their health while contributing to broader efforts in cancer prevention and control.