Here at Cactus Cancer Society, we’re always interested in amplifying the voices and experiences of young adults facing cancer, and making sure this population is represented in research. Check out the research opportunities below to see how you can use your story to help others!
Caring for Your Companion Animal During Cancer Treatment and Recovery
Study Description
The purpose of the study is to learn about the benefits and challenges you encountered while providing for the present and future needs of your companion animal(s). We hope to understand how best to support you in knowing how to address financial, social, and emotional challenges encountered in caring for your companion animal, concerns you have, as well as the benefits of having a furry companion during your treatment and recovery.
Am I Eligible to Participate?
You are eligible to participate if you:
- Are an adult
- Have been diagnosed with cancer
- Have been the primary guardian of at least one dog or cat for a minimum of 6 months
What Will I Be Asked to Do?
You’ll be asked to complete a short (10-15 minute) anonymous survey about the benefits and challenges you have encountered while providing for the present and future care needs of your companion animal(s).
Will I Be Compensated?
Participants will be entered in a raffle for a $100 gift card to Chewy pet supply.
How Do I Sign Up?
To sign up to participate, visit https://col.st/DaVdt.
My Friend Has Cancer Evaluation Study
Study Description
We are looking for young people with cancer and a friend to evaluate a series of 6 short videos designed to educate friends on how to better support AYAs during and after treatment.
Am I Eligible to Participate?
You are eligible to participate in this study if:
- You are between the ages of 18 and 39
- You were diagnosed with cancer for the first time within the past year
Your friend is eligible for the study if:
- They are between the ages of 18 and 39
- They have no history of cancer
What Will I Be Asked to Do?
Participants will watch a series of 6 short videos and complete two surveys. Some participants will be invited to be part of a focus group.
Will I Be Compensated?
Participants will receive a $15 Amazon gift card.
How Do I Sign Up?
Breast Cancer Patient Interview Study
Study Description
The purpose of the study is to interview breast cancer patients about their cancer journey and how they prefer to talk about treatment options. The goal is to learn what matters most to patients as they talk about their treatment options, how well treatments work, and possible side effects.
Am I Eligible to Participate?
You are eligible to participate if you:
- Are a female
- Are over the age of 18
- Were diagnosed with breast cancer in the past year
- Live in the United States
What Will I Be Asked to Do?
You’ll be asked to participate in a single one-hour interview, which will take place on Zoom or by phone.
Will I Be Compensated?
Participants will receive a $50 Amazon gift card as compensation.
How Do I Sign Up?
To sign up to participate, please email Lila Rabinovich at lilarabi@usc.edu to schedule an interview.
Reducing Sleep Disturbance in Cancer
Study Description
The purpose of the study is to test an app-based wellness intervention for chronic sleep disturbances among blood cancer patients.
Am I Eligible to Participate?
You are eligible to participate in this study if:
- Are currently diagnosed with a blood cancer and currently undergoing treatment
- Are not currently participating in a therapeutic pharmacologic clinical trial
- Have not received or are not planning to receive an allogenic stem cell transplantation
- Have moderate sleep disturbances or problems with sleep
- Own a smartphone and are willing to download a mobile app
- Are 18 years of age or older
What Will I Be Asked to Do?
You’ll be asked to use a smartphone-based wellness app for 10 minutes per day for a total of 8 weeks. Additionally, study participants will complete in-person blood draws and online surveys at 3 different time points over the course of the 20-week study (baseline, after 8 weeks, and after 20 weeks). Finally, participants will wear an Oura Ring daily and complete a brief daily sleep diary for 8 weeks and then again for 1 more week during week 20.
Will I Be Compensated?
Participants will receive $75 in compensation.
How Do I Sign Up?
To sign up to participate, visit https://redcap.link/hemescreening
