Research Opportunity Roundup!

Here at Cactus Cancer Society, we’re always interested in using our stories and experiences to help improve care for those diagnosed with cancer in the future.  One way to do that is by sharing your experiences with research professionals.  We’ve gathered a few research studies that you may be eligible to participate in.  

VOICE Interview Study

Kaiser Permanente researchers are interested in improving the health and healthcare of young adults and they need you for the Valuing Opinions and Insight from Cancer Experiences (VOICE) interview study.  Hearing your story can help researchers understand young adults’ experiences with cancer.  The team is recruiting young adults to participate in an hour-long telephone interview asking you about medical care, side effects of your cancer and treatment, the impact of cancer on your life and relationships, and your thoughts on research participation.  Plus, Mallory Casperson, our founder and CEO, is a co-investigator on this study!

Eligibility: To be eligible for this study, you must be between the ages of 18 and 25, and have been diagnosed with cancer 5 or more years ago.

Compensation: Eligible participants who complete the interview will receive a $40 gift card to Amazon, Starbucks, or Target.

Contact: Learn more here!

Opening the Conversation: Taking on Life After Cancer Together

Researchers at Oregon State University are working to evaluate a program that will help young adult breast and gynecologic cancer survivors and their partners communicate about and cope with relationship concerns after cancer.  You and your partner will be randomly assigned to one of two programs, with 4-5 weekly sessions that will be delivered by a trained counselor via Zoom.  You will learn skills to cope with and improve your relationship health after cancer.  This study is funded by the American Cancer Society.

Eligibility: To be eligible for our study, you must have a history of breast or gynecologic cancer diagnosed between the ages of 18-39, and within 6 months to five years ago. Couples with any sexual orientation and gender identity are invited to participate.

Contact: Find out more at health.oregonstate.edu/oc.

Stanford After Cancer Family-Building Study

The goal of this Stanford University research study is to support women around fertility and family-building issues after cancer.  This study is pilot testing a website created to provide information and support about managing infertility risks after treatment and making decisions about family-building options, ultimately to empower women in preparing for future family-building, whether that’s soon or not for a number of years.

Eligibility: To be eligible for this study, you must be a woman who:

• is between 18 and 45 years of age 
• has completed cancer treatment at least 6 months ago (excluding long-term adjuvant or maintenance therapies)
• is interested in having a child (or more children) or unsure of family building plans
• understands verbal and written English 
• has access to the Internet and use of a computer, tablet, or smartphone

Compensation: Participants will be compensated $10 for the completion of all 3 study surveys.

Contact: To learn more or sign up for the study, email Dr. Catherine Benedict at cbenedict@stanford.edu 

Young Adults Cancer Care Survey Study

The goal of this study is to evaluate and improve cancer care for future young cancer patients, with emphasis on understanding what is most important to patients when cancer treatment has not been effective.  Eligible participants will be asked to attend a 90-minute web conference during which they will complete three surveys.  A group discussion will follow each survey.

Eligibility: Patients are eligible for this study if they are between the ages of 12 and 39 and have stage IV and/or recurrent cancer.  Family members of adolescent or young adult patients with stage IV and/or recurrent cancer are also eligible to participate.

Compensation: Participants will receive a $50 Amazon gift card.

Contact: For more information or to sign up, contact Andrew Khalaj at andrewj_khalaj@dfci.harvard.edu or (617)632-6276.