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!
Burnalong Pilot Study: Group-Based Physical Activity for AYA Cancer Survivors
Study Description
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s Cancer Research Center for Health Equity is currently running a study to understand adolescents and young adults (AYA) cancer survivors’ experiences with a virtual physical activity and social-networking program. We would appreciate your help in expanding our understanding of the value of virtual physical activity platforms, and the role physical activity can play in supporting your health and well-being. If you are a cancer survivor between the ages of 18-39 who has completed active cancer treatment, we hope that you will consider participating.
Am I Eligible to Participate?
You are eligible for this study if:
- You are a cancer survivor between the ages of 18 and 39
- You were diagnosed with cancer at age 15 or older
- You completed active cancer treatment at least three months ago
- You are willing to wear and sync a Fitbit device for 12 weeks
What Will I Be Asked to Do?
- Engage in three Burnalong classes of your choice per week for 12 Weeks (Burnalong is a virtual physical activity platform for you and a friend or family member to engage in physical activity together using sub-accounts and two-way video sharing)
- Post at least twice per week for 12 weeks on our private discussion board with other study participants
- Participate in monthly live group exercise sessions with study participants led by our team’s cancer-certified Exercise Physiologist
- You will be provided with a free Fitbit that you will be asked to wear and sync for 12 weeks. You can keep the Fitbit at the end of the study.
- You will be asked to complete online surveys (20 minutes) and an online fitness assessment (10 minutes) at the start and end of the study, as well as an end of study interview (approximately 45 minutes)
Will I Be Compensated?
Participants will receive a Fitbit Charge 4.
How Do I Sign Up?
If you would like to participate or have questions about this study, email the study coordinator at Jessica.Capaldi@cshs.org or click here to provide your contact information. Someone from our team will reach out to you and will help get you started on the enrollment process.
Resistance Exercise Training in Women with Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy
Study Description
This study examines the effects of a high-velocity resistance training, or power training, intervention in women with a history of breast cancer who possess numbness, tingling, and/or pain in their hands and/or feet.
Am I Eligible to Participate?
You are eligible to participate if you:
- Are a woman with a history of breast cancer (stages 0-3; non-metastatic)
- Have completed treatment and are between 30 days and 5 years post treatment
- Have received known neuropathy-inducing agents (taxanes, platinums, vinca alkaloids, or a combination)
- Have chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms
- Are at least 18 years old
- Currently participate in less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week
- Do not have any current injuries
What Will I Be Asked to Do?
Participants will be asked to complete 24 one-hour long exercise sessions over the course of 15-20 weeks, along with blood work before and after completion of the exercise program.
Will I Be Compensated?
There is no compensation provided for participation in this study.
How Do I Sign Up?
To sign up to participate, please email mgleeson@oakland.edu
Relationships and Sexual Health in Young Adult Cancer Survivors
Study Description
Researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are conducting a research study for young adult cancer survivors about relationships and sexual health. The purpose of this study is to learn directly from young adults about how to best ask about concerns in these areas.
Am I Eligible to Participate?
You are eligible to participate in this study if:
- You are a cancer survivor currently between the ages of 18 and 39
- You have completed cancer treatment
You have concerns about relationships and sexual health
What Will I Be Asked to Do?
Participation in this study would involve meeting one-on-one over Zoom with a psychologist for 60-90 minutes to talk about concerns about sexual health and relationships. Participants would also review some commonly used questions about these issues and provide feedback on how they could be improved for young adult cancer survivors.
Will I Be Compensated?
Participants will receive a $50 Amazon gift card.
How Do I Sign Up?
Contact a study coordinator at 617-582-8260 or survivorship_research@dfci.harvard.edu and a member of the study team will reach out to you.
