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!
Young Adult Cancer Survivors Healthy Eating and Active Lifestyle (YACS HEAL) Study
Study Description
This study uses digital tools to help young adult cancer survivors develop healthier eating and activity habits. The 3-month program is delivered using a smartphone app, digital health tools, and text messages. It also provides an opportunity to participate in important research to help us understand more about ways to help YACS lead healthier lifestyles.
Am I Eligible to Participate?
You are eligible for this study if:
- Are between the ages of 18 and 39
- Were diagnosed with cancer (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) at age 15 or older
- Have completed cancer treatment
- Are not exceeding physical activity guidelines
- Own a smartphone with data and text messaging plan
What Will I Be Asked to Do?
Participants will be asked to use an app and a simplified approach to track your foods to help you make positive changes in your eating, and an activity tracker to help increase your physical activity. All participants will receive a kick-off videochat session with a health coach, and a behavior change program delivered through the study smartphone app, which will include lessons, resources, personalized feedback, tools to help them keep track of their diet and physical activity, and text messages to encourage healthy habits. You will be asked to complete online questionnaires and other remote measurements such as weighing on their own scale at home, at the start of the study, after 6 weeks, and after 3 months.
Will I Be Compensated?
Participants will receive a Fitbit activity tracker and a $25 Visa gift card for completing the 3-month assessments.
How Do I Sign Up?
To sign up to participate, visit www.uncweightresearch.org/yacsheal
Assessing Barriers to Physical Activity in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors
Study Description
This study aims to identify barriers and preferences regarding access to exercise programs in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. To do this we created a questionnaire focusing on exercise habits, current needs and limitations of physical rehabilitation, and desires/expectations in gym programs.
Am I Eligible to Participate?
You are eligible to participate if you:
- Were diagnosed with cancer when you were between the ages of 15 and 39
- Are currently between the ages of 18 and 65
- Currently live in the United States
- Do not have an advanced physical condition that prevents you from performing light exercise or activities of daily living
What Will I Be Asked to Do?
You’ll be asked to complete an anonymous online questionnaire that will take approximately 10 minutes.
Will I Be Compensated?
There is no compensation provided for participation in this study.
How Do I Sign Up?
To sign up to participate, contact Jessica Lohret at jlohret@quinnipiac.edu or simply click here to complete the questionnaire.
STEP-YA
Study Description
STEP-YA teaches survivors how to make changes to sleep habits and behaviors in order to improve sleep.
Am I Eligible to Participate?
You are eligible to participate in this study if:
- You are a cancer survivor between the ages of 20 and 39
- You have not received cancer therapy in the past four months
- You do not have any future cancer therapy planned
- You are experiencing sleep problems
What Will I Be Asked to Do?
Participants will first complete health questionnaires and then be randomized to the STEP-YA session either alone or with coaching phone calls one and two weeks later. STEP-YA is delivered by an instructor over videoconference and teaches survivors how to make changes to their sleep habits and health behaviors to improve their sleep. Participants will also complete questionnaires at the time of their session and again 1 and 2 months later.
Will I Be Compensated?
Participants will receive up to $60 in gift cards for completing all follow-ups and surveys. Each participant will also receive a personalized Sleep Action Plan.
How Do I Sign Up?
Contact step@dfci.harvard.edu or call (617) 582-8260.
