How do stress, conflict, and isolation impact cancer outcomes?

Here at Cactus Cancer Society, we believe in the power of research for improving the lives of those who may be diagnosed with cancer in the future.  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 opportunity below to see how you can use your story to help others!

Social Genomic Mechanisms of Health Disparities Among Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors

The purpose of this study is to understand more about how the world that teen and young adult lymphoma survivors live in affects the outcomes of their cancer treatment. We call this field of research social genomics, and it takes a close look at why and how different factors like social stress, conflict, and isolation can impact cancer diagnoses and outcomes.

Am I Eligible to Participate?

You are eligible to participate if you:

  • Were diagnosed with Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma between the ages of 15 and 39
  • Are currently between the ages of 18 and 39
  • Completed treatment within the past three years

What Will I Be Asked to Do?

You’ll be asked to complete an online survey every six months for two years and provide a blood sample every six months for two years.

Will I Be Compensated?

Participants will receive a $20 gift card each time they complete a survey and provide a blood sample (5 times for a total of $100).

How Do I Sign Up?

To sign up to participate, visit https://redcapproduction.umms.med.umich.edu/surveys/?s=ATKW4KFCEYHL9YR3

10 Questions with Robynne

In this blog series called 10 Questions With, we get to know our amazing community members a bit more through questions and photos. We are so excited to introduce Robynne Estrada, who is an active member of our Cactus Cancer Society community. She is a pure delight, and we know you’ll love her, too! Read on to discover more about Robynne.

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We’re Hiring!

It has been my very extreme pleasure to watch this organization grow from the very start of an idea to a full-fledged 501(c)3 with over 20 programs helping reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, psychological distress, and loneliness, and serving thousands of young adults facing cancer every year.

Interested in joining our team and positively impacting young adults facing cancer? Have some professional fundraising experience? We’re hiring for a Development Coordinator and we’d love you to apply! We’re looking for someone with a passion for development, interested in working to raise essential funds and build a more supportive and united community for young adults facing cancer. We are a fully remote team and are excited to bring someone new on board!

You can find much more information here along with a full job description and more details on how to get in touch with us.

The Top 5 Favs! Tattoos, Short Hair, Libido, and More!

The blog here has evolved a lot since our launch in April 2015. Sometimes it’s fun to take a look down memory lane and check out our top 5 blog posts of all time!

5. Post-Chemo Hair Growth + Style Tips – real tips from a real survivor about growing out your hair and styling it for every length

4. 5 Pieces of Advice About Sexual Desire from the Awkward Auntie – tips from Dr. Anne Katz, our Awkward Auntie, for those spicy moments

3. Fresh Ink: Cancer Pick Up Lines – a piece of writing from a program here, Unspoken Ink, detailing some wonderful humor while facing cancer

2. Survivorship Tattoos – this isn’t so much a single blog post as it is a tag on our website where you’ll find several great pieces about survivors and their survivorship tattoos

and…drumroll please….

1. Dressing for Short Hair! – for everyone who wants a little tangible help with looking feminine while wearing super short hair

And there you have it! The top 5 blog posts of all time here at Cactus Cancer Society, as they stand today. What other sorts of posts are you looking to see?