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 to participate if you:
- 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.
Opening the Conversation
Study Description
This is a clinical trial sponsored by the American Cancer Society, where we will be testing the helpfulness of two programs designed to teach breast and gynecological cancer survivors and their partners to communicate and cope with physical, emotional, and relationship challenges after cancer.
Am I Eligible to Participate?
This study is recruiting both survivors and their partners. Survivors are eligible for this study if:
- You had a breast or gynecologic cancer diagnosis between the ages of 18-39
- You were diagnosed between 6 months and 5 years ago
- You have a partner who is age 18 or older
- Both partners agree to participate
- You reside in the United States
What Will I Be Asked to Do?
The program consists of couples participating in 4-5 weekly sessions with a trained counselor. These sessions will last about 90 minutes. The programs are conducted entirely via videoconference (Zoom), so participants would not have to travel anywhere to participate.
Will I Be Compensated?
Each participant will receive a $10 eGift card for completing each online survey (3 surveys total). Couples may be asked to participate in a qualitative interview and each participant would receive a $20 eGift after the interview.
How Do I Sign Up?
If you are interested in participating, fill out the contact form on the study website by clicking here: https://health.oregonstate.edu/research/programs/tact/oc
The START Study
Study Description
This study explores the links between experiences of gender-based violence and breast cancer among Canadian women. We aim to advance holistic understandings of patient needs and help shape comprehensive cancer care.
Am I Eligible to Participate?
You are eligible to participate if you:
- Identify as a woman
- Are 18 years of age or older
- Have breast cancer (or have had breast cancer in the past)
- Received breast cancer care in Canada
- Have access to a safe, internet-enabled device
What Will I Be Asked to Do?
You’ll be asked to complete a brief online survey, with an optional interview.
Will I Be Compensated?
Participants will not receive compensation for participating in this study.
How Do I Sign Up?
If you have any questions, please contact Anne Fleischer at CaRehabResearch@gmail.com
Sexual Health And Reproductive Concerns Among AYA Colorectal Cancer Survivors and Their Partners
Study Description
Sexual and reproductive health are important topics for many colorectal cancer patients and survivors. However these are often overlooked by providers and few resources are available to help young couples navigate these challenges. We need your help to better understand how young adult colorectal cancer survivors and their partners cope with the impact of the illness on their sexuality and fertility. By sharing your story, your voice can shape future cancer care!
Am I Eligible to Participate?
You are eligible to participate in this study if:
- Have received a diagnosis of colorectal cancer (stages I-IV) in the past 5 years
- Were between 18 and 39 years of age at time of diagnosis
- Are involved in a romantic relationship with a partner
- Are currently older than 18 years
Partners are eligible to participate if they are older than 18 and are English-speaking.
What Will I Be Asked to Do?
You’ll be asked to complete an online survey which will take approximately 30 minutes (both partners). Some couples will also be invited to take part in an hour-long online interview with the research team.
Will I Be Compensated?
A $30 Amazon gift-card is offered when both partners have consented to the study and have completed the survey, for a total of $60 per couple. A resource list for sexuality, fertility, and emotional well-being will be provided to all respondents. Additional compensation is offered to couples completing the online interview ($120 per couple).
How Do I Sign Up?
To sign up to participate, visit https://tinyurl.com/AYASHARE
