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!
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
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 if you:
- 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
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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.
Describing Asian American Well-being & Needs in Cancer
Study Description
The purpose of the study is to culturally adapt an evidence-based psychotherapeutic intervention for Mandarin-speaking and Vietnamese speaking Americans with metastatic cancer.
Am I Eligible to Participate?
You are eligible to participate if you:
- Are 18 years of age or older
- Are living with solid tumor metastatic cancer (cancer that spread from where it first started to a distant part of the body, often Stage 4)
- Are of Chinese or Vietnamese heritage
- Prefer speaking in Mandarin or Vietnamese
What Will I Be Asked to Do?
You’ll be asked to do a 10-15 minute demographic phone call, a 1 hour Zoom/phone interview, and a 30-45 minute follow-up Zoom/phone interview.
Will I Be Compensated?
Participants will receive $80 in e-gift cards.
How Do I Sign Up?
To sign up to participate, email the study team at dawn@hs.uci.edu or call at (213) 537-9209
AYA Connect: A Comprehensive Digital Weight Management Research Program
Study Description
AYA Connect provides digital tools and strategies to help AYAs adopt healthier habits, reach a healthier weight, and improve their overall health. It also provides an opportunity for AYAs to participate in important research to help us understand more about ways to help post-treatment AYAs lead healthier lifestyles.
Am I Eligible to Participate?
You are eligible to participate if you:
- Are currently aged 18-39
- Were diagnosed with cancer (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) at age 15 or older
- Have completed cancer treatment
- Have a body mass index between 25 and 50
- Own an iPhone with a data and text messaging plan
What Will I Be Asked to Do?
All participants will receive a comprehensive digital weight management program focused on improving diet quality, increasing physical activity, and reaching a healthier weight. The program components include a Fitbit physical activity tracker, a smart scale, access to the study mobile app, a kickoff session by videochat with a health coach, and tailored feedback messages in the study app. You will be asked to complete online questionnaires and other measurements at the start of the study and after 3 and 6 months. You will be sent a Fitbit to track physical activity for 7 days and a digital smart scale to measure your weight at all time points. Most importantly, you will learn strategies that will help you promote a healthier lifestyle for today and the future.
Will I Be Compensated?
Participants will receive a Fitbit activity tracker and digital smart scale (valued at up to $195 for both depending on Fitbit model selected) to track your activity and weight. Participants will also receive up to $120 for completing all study questionnaires and measurements. Participants local to Chapel Hill, North Carolina have the option to complete their measurements at our research center for an additional $10 per measurement visit.
How Do I Sign Up?
To sign up to participate, visit www.uncweightresearch.org/aya-connect
