In addition to Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC)’s Recover Study, we are always seeking new opportunities for the YACC community to use their voice and experience to help understand, shape, and improve the future of young adult cancer!
Every month, we compile research projects, studies, and initiatives from our friends and partners into the YACC Research Roundup!
Are you conducting a study relevant to young adults dealing with cancer? Please email an image, blurb, relevant links, and registration deadline date to [email protected] before July 31 to be included in the August roundup!
Featured research project of the month for July, 2026:
University of the Fraser Valley
Researchers at the University of the Fraser Valley are looking to help shape future movement programs for young adults living with and beyond cancer!
This study is looking to learn from you about your experiences with movement and physical activity — what helps, what gets in the way, and what kind of programs actually feel useful.
Participants must be:
- Young adults (19+)
- At any stage of the cancer trajectory
- Currently residing in Canada
Participation includes:
- A brief online survey (15-20 minutes) with entry to win a $50 gift card
- Optional online interview and small group chat (30-60 minutes) with a $50 gift card for participation
You can access the survey right here.
If you have any questions about this study, reach out to [email protected]
More research projects from friends of YACC:
University of Alberta
Researchers at the University of Alberta are seeking adults with advanced or metastatic cancer to participate in the Rehabilitation and Exercise for Advanced Cancer Health (REACH) study. The goal of the REACH Study is to learn about your experiences of living with cancer and to better understand your needs related to rehabilitation and exercise support.
Participants must be:
- Adults (18+ years) living in Canada
- Diagnosed with any type of advanced, recurrent, relapsed, or metastatic (stage 4) cancer
- Able to complete a 15-20 minute survey in English or French
Click here to access the survey!
For any questions or concerns, email: [email protected].
University of British Columbia
The Uterine Health Research Lab is inviting individuals in British Columbia, Canada, to participate in Lynch-SCAN, a research study examining non-invasive ways to assess uterine cancer risk in people with Lynch syndrome.
You may be eligible if you:
- Have Lynch syndrome (confirmed by genetic testing)
- Are 30 years or older
- Still have a uterus
Participation involves:
- Completing questionnaires
- Up to 3 rounds of self-collected vaginal swabs (done at home)
Click here to learn more about the study!
For questions, you can contact the study team directly at [email protected].
University of Calgary
Researchers at the University of Calgary are recruiting for a study with the Psychosocial Care4Kids Lab and are aiming to recruit survivors of childhood cancer who have not attended follow-up care ever, or for 2 or more years. These experiences will help to improve care in the future.
You may be eligible for this study if you:
- Were diagnosed with cancer, in Canada, before 18 years old
- Were diagnosed at least 5 years ago and/or completed your treatment at least 2 years ago
- Are currently between 18 and 39 years old
- Have not received cancer-specific follow-up care in 2 or more years, or, have never received any follow-up care
Interested or want to know more? Contact the study team at: [email protected]
University of Calgary
Researchers at Dr. Tavis Campbell’s Behavioural Medicine Lab at the University of Calgary are investigating how insomnia is treated and developing new programs to better help cancer survivors.
Insomnia is a common side effect of cancer treatment, and some individuals report challenges accessing treatment options to manage their sleep. This project is looking to recruit cancer survivors, peer support facilitators, and licensed healthcare professionals from across Canada to explore the current state of insomnia treatment.
You may be eligible for a 10 minute online survey if you are:
- 18 years or older
- Were diagnosed with cancer
- Have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early
Eligible participants can access the survey here!
For more information, please contact [email protected]
University of Calgary
Researchers at the University of Calgary are conducting an online survey study to better understand people’s attitudes and knowledge about using probiotic supplements in the context of cancer. The purpose of this study is to help create infographics and other patient-centred materials that those affected by cancer can use for making informed decisions about probiotic use.
The survey is open to any adult (18+) in Canada with a current or previous diagnosis of cancer, at any phase of treatment and with any stage or type.
The survey is anonymous and will take about 15 minutes to complete.
You can access the survey here: https://survey.ucalgary.ca/jfe/form/SV_7R3sW3lal5FxCrI
If you have any questions or would like more information, you can contact Dr. Julie Deleemans at [email protected]
University of Calgary
Researchers at the University of Calgary are conducting a qualitative research study on how patient and physician factors – like their background, experiences, and personal beliefs – affect the way these groups make treatment decisions together.
They are recruiting adult (18+) cancer patients/survivors living in Alberta who were diagnosed in 2023 or later to participate. Participation will involve two short questionnaires and one 90 minute focus group with other cancer patients/survivors. Participants will receive a $25 gift card for sharing their thoughts and experiences!
Contact [email protected] if you’re interested in participating!
University of Calgary
The University of Calgary and EXCEL (Exercising for Cancer to Enhance Living Well) is currently offering a free 12-week yoga program for young adults affected by cancer.
The Yoga For Young Adults program:
- Is delivered online, over zoom
- Is instructed by trained yoga professionals
- Includes evaluations pre and post-program, and during follow-up times, to examine the potential impact of yoga on young adults affected by cancer
To register for classes, contact [email protected].
Concordia University
The Childhood Cancer Identity Project (CCHIP) is looking for individuals to participate in an online study looking at how individuals’ view themselves after cancer treatment has ended, which they call cancer identity. The CCHIP also wants to learn if cancer identity relates to mental and physical health among adults with a history of childhood cancer.
Eligible participants are:
- At least 18 years or older
- Have previously been treated for childhood cancer before the age of 18
- Currently reside in Canada or the United States
- Are fluent in reading and writing in English
- Have access to a device with WiFi or internet capabilities
https://bhilab.com/current-studies/cchip/
For more information about this study, please contact CCHIP at [email protected].
Green Mind Insights
Green Mind Insights are currently recruiting Canadian adults diagnosed with gastric (stomach) cancer or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma to participate in a 45-minute online research interview. The purpose of this study is to better understand patients’ experiences, treatment journeys, and the challenges they have faced, with the goal of helping improve future care and support.
Who can participate: Adults in Canada diagnosed with gastric (stomach) cancer or GEJ adenocarcinoma.
Interview format: 45-minute online interview.
Honorarium: Eligible participants who complete the interview will receive $65.
Registration deadline: End of July.
If you have any questions or are interested in participating, you can reach out to [email protected]
Lakehead University
Researchers at Lakehead University are looking for young adults (ages 18–39) who have had cancer to share their experiences with scans and scanxiety – the stress, fear, or worry often felt in the time before, during, or leading up to the results for cancer-related medical imaging. Your insights may help improve care for young people affected by cancer.
If you’ve completed active cancer treatment in the past 5 years and had a cancer-related scan in the past year, you may be eligible to take part in a focus group and brief survey. Participants will receive a $50 gift card for their time.
Complete the brief eligibility survey here!
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Université Laval
Researchers at the Université Laval are recruiting for a study titled “Young adults after cancer: issues and post-treatment experiences in Quebec”. This study aims to better understand how young adults diagnosed with cancer experience the effects of the disease and treatment in their daily lives, particularly post-treatment. The study looks at how these experiences influence their personal trajectories, social relationships and vision of the future.
You may be eligible if you:
- Have completed cancer treatment between the ages of 18 and 35
- Have completed this treatment within the last 5 years
- Completed your treatment in Quebec
- Are not currently undergoing active cancer treatment (except for long-term preventive or maintenance treatments such as hormone therapy or immunotherapy
Participation includes:
- Individual interview in a calm location (approximately 2 hours)
- Follow-up interview (1 to 2 hours) one month later, with an optional guest of your choice (can be conducted online)
- Anonymized data and confidential participation
Each eligible participant will receive $25 per interview!
If you’re interested in participating, please fill out this recruitment form!
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC)
Did you or a loved one need to leave your home town or city for cancer treatment in the past 5 years? If so, were your finances, employment, housing, education, family life, or social support impacted? Your voice is needed!
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC)’s survey entitled “Leaving Your Community for Cancer Treatment: Understanding the Impact,” is now open to Canadians, 18 years or older, who have been impacted by any type of cancer, other than blood cancer – and their caregivers.
Results from this survey will increase awareness of the impacts of cancer treatment access, and generate discussion across Canada, including with authorities who make decisions about public funding for cancer drugs.
You can access the survey here!
Memorial University
Dr. Sheila Garland’s Sleep, Health, and Wellness Lab at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) is recruiting cancer survivors across Canada for an important study examining the efficacy of smartphone-delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I).
This study is looking for participants who struggle with sleep and have either:
- Completed active cancer treatment at least three months ago
OR - Been considered clinically stable for at least three months
Sleep difficulties are one of the most common — and most undertreated — challenges faced by cancer survivors. This research is an important step toward making effective insomnia treatment more accessible.
Interested individuals can email [email protected] for more information or to find out if they are eligible.
Memorial University
Researchers at Memorial University are conducting a study on social stigma associated with pediatric cancers in Newfoundland & Labrador
You are eligible for this study if you have been diagnosed with or have been treated for pediatric cancers in Newfoundland & Labrador, and if you are currently between 18-39 years old.
To participate or for more information about the study, please contact Rasel Siddique or Dr. Sevtap Savas at 709-865-6659, or by emailing [email protected].
University of New Brunswick
Researchers at the University of New Brunswick are conducting a dissertation study on the sexual health and well-being of Canadian cancer survivors. They are inviting adult Canadian cancer survivors to take part in a confidential 30-minute online survey exploring demographics, cancer history, and aspects of sexual health and well-being.
To be eligible, participants must be 19 years of age or older, have been diagnosed with cancer within the past five years, and have lived in Canada for the past five years.
Interested individuals can access the survey here!
Newfoundland & Labrador Health Services
Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services (NLHS) is hoping to recruit three patient partners for a study examining sexual health in cancer patients.
Key goals of this study are to better understand patients’ perspectives on sexual health throughout their cancer journey, to determine when and which provider should discuss sexual health with patients and what parts of sexual health are most important to patients. The study also hopes to better understand how the cancer journey impacts patients’ perception of their gender and sexuality.
Newfoundland & Labrador Health Services are aiming to recruit three patient partners with lived cancer experiences who can join the team for two years of this study. Patient partners can be involved across all stages of the study, but the researchers expect meeting with patient partners 2-3 times a year to gain their input on the project and to review study materials. These meetings could be virtual or in-person, whichever the patient partner prefers.
The study is open to patient partners of any age or gender with diverse cancer experiences and sexual health concerns. Participants would receive an honorarium of $225 per year to recognize the value of their time and lived experience.
For more information about the role of patient partners, please contact: Research Assistant, Brooklyn Sparkes at [email protected] or (709) 777-9066, or study lead Dr. Cindy Whitten at [email protected] or (709) 777-7614.
Nova Scotia Health
Researchers at Nova Scotia Health want to hear from people living in Nova Scotia who have gone through the diagnostic process for cancer. They want to understand how the diagnostic process can be optimized to improve referrals and reduce diagnostic delays, using standardized diagnostic pathways and a rapid-access diagnostic program.
Nova Scotia Health are interested in speaking with people who:
- Are at least 18 years of age
- Live in Nova Scotia
- Have been previously diagnosed with cancer (pancreas, sarcoma, colorectal, testes, lung, head and neck, melanoma/skin, breast) within the past 10 years
If you meet these criteria, you are invited to participate in a video focus group which will last one and a half hours.
If you have questions about this study or would like to participate, please contact Caroline Hovey at (506) 647-1462, or via email at [email protected].
The Ottawa Hospital
Dr. Cheryl Harris (The Ottawa Hospital) and Dr. Sophie Lebel (University of Ottawa) are seeking volunteer participants for research exploring the utility of new tools to assess fear of cancer recurrence.
You are eligible if you:
- Are 18 years of age or older
- Have been diagnosed with any cancer (stage I-III)
- Have finished your main treatment
- Have experienced fear of cancer recurrence
Participants will be asked to complete a short questionnaire (5-10 minutes) with the possibility of being selected to take part in a 1-2 hour interview which can be done remotely via Microsoft Teams or via phone. In appreciation of your time, you will receive a $50 giftcard for participating in the interview. For those who do not participate in the interview but fill the questionnaires, a $5 donation to The Ottawa Cancer Foundation will be made.
For more information or to express your interest, contact the research assistant Anne Leslie at [email protected] or by phone at 613-737-7700 ex.75458.
Ottawa Cancer Foundation
The Cancer While Black Study Team, in partnership with the African, Caribbean & Black Wellness Resource Centre (ACB), The Ottawa Cancer Foundation, and the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI), is seeking African, Caribbean, and Black women living in Ottawa to participate in a research study exploring cancer care experiences within our communities.
Eligible participants must:
- Identify as African, Caribbean, or Black
- Be female
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Live in Ottawa
- Have received a diagnosis of breast, cervical, or colorectal cancer.
Participation includes:
- A 60-minute one-on-one discussion about cancer care experiences
- The option to bring a friend, family member, or support person
- A $50 gift card in appreciation of their time
If you have any questions or wish to participate, please reach out to [email protected]
University of Ottawa
A research team at University of Ottawa are currently recruiting 10-15 Ontario-based individuals living with and beyond cancer to participate in a study to explore knowledge, insights, and needs related to cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) in order to inform more tailored psychosocial supports.
Participation in this study involves a short online survey (10 minutes) and a virtual interview (30–60 minutes).
You are eligible if you:
- Live in Ontario, Canada.
- Are currently living with/beyond cancer.
- Have Internet access and can communicate in English.
If you’re interested in participating, please contact [email protected] for more information!
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre is looking for patients who have been diagnosed with cancer, or those involved in providing decision support for cancer patients, to participate in a study exploring the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI), such as conversational chatbots, to assist patients in understanding their clinical trial options.
Participation involves a 1.5-hour virtual session where you will provide feedback on your interaction with an AI generated clinical trial match summary and a conversational AI chatbot. No prior AI experience is needed. You can also invite a support person to join the study. Both of you will be interviewed separately. We will provide a $25 gift card as a token of appreciation for your time.
If you are interested, please contact Natalie Yeh at [email protected] for more information.
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Are you 18-40 years old? Have you had treatment for lymphoma, sarcoma, breast or testicular cancer?
The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre are inviting you to join a study on peer navigation and receive support from a trained Peer Navigator who has experienced a similar type of cancer and knows what it’s like.
To participate in this study, you must:
- Be between 18-40 years old
- Have been diagnosed with lymphoma, sarcoma, breast or testicular cancer between the ages of
15-39 years old - Completed therapy within the last 6 months
- Be comfortable using the internet and email.
For more information, visit peernavigation.ca or email [email protected].
Queering Cancer
Queering Cancer are looking for volunteers to take part in a research study exploring the experiences of transgender and gender diverse people affected by gynecological cancer. To take part you must fit the criteria below:
- Are transgender or gender diverse (e.g. non-binary, intersex, Two-Spirit)
- Have experience of gynecological cancer
- Are 19 or older
- Living in Canada
As a participant in this study, you will be asked to take part in a 60 minute recorded online interview.
To find out more about this study, or to participate, please contact Amanda Bolderston at [email protected] .
Toronto Metropolitan University
Toronto Metropolitan University is conducting a research study to understand vulnerability and resilience among young informal caregivers of persons with neurodegenerative disease.
You must be:
- A young caregiver of person(s) with a neurodegenerative disease, such as dementia (E.G. Alzheimer’s), Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or a neurological disorder (E.G. stroke, brain tumour)
- 16-25 years old
Participation involves a maximum one hour online interview to share your experiences as a young caregiver. Participants will receive a $10 e-transfer or gift card, and will be entered in a lottery for a $75 gift card.
To participate, please contact [email protected] with the subject line “Young caregiver study.”
University of Toronto
Researchers at the University of Toronto are leading a new research study on pregnancy and chronic health conditions. The Body Mapping to Advance Perinatal Care study is exploring experiences of pregnancy care and chronic health conditions using art and creative methods.
Individuals may be eligible to participate if they:
- Are at least 18 years or older;
- Have at least one physical and/or mental health condition;
- Have had a pregnancy in the last 10 years; and
- Are able to travel to Toronto and attend one in-person workshop.
Eligible individuals will attend and participate in one in-person workshop (lasting approximately 4 hours) in Toronto using art and body mapping to visualize and share their experiences of pregnancy care and chronic health condition(s). They will also participate in one 60-minute online interview to describe experiences of care before pregnancy, and during pregnancy, labour and birth, and the postpartum period.
Individuals will receive a $250 gift card for participating in both the workshop and interview. No previous art experience is necessary. Activities will be accessible with diverse adaptations available.
You can find out more here. Please contact [email protected] to participate.
University of Toronto
Researchers at the University of Toronto are trying to learn more about how to help individuals with and beyond cancer increase their physical activity levels from the comfort of their own home.
They are looking for individuals:
- Diagnosed with cancer (stages I-III)
- 18+ years old
- Engaging in less than 90 minutes of physical activity per week
- Have completed primary treatment
Weekly supervised exercise sessions and assessments are completed at home, and it also includes weekly counselling over Zoom.
This is a 24-week programs with five assessments. Participants will be compensated $50 for each assessment for a total of $250.
For more information, you can check out a recruitment video, or visit this website. To sign up, email [email protected], or phone 416-946-5856.
University of Toronto
Lauren Squires, a PhD candidate at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, is conducting research is focused on exploring online support group (OSG) use/non-use among sexual and gender diverse (SGD) people with breast/chest cancer, with the goal of optimizing OSGs for this population.
Squires said, “I want to ensure my findings are relevant to populations that are often overlooked in SGD cancer research, including but not limited to SGD people of colour and trans and gender diverse people. To this end, I’ll be using an intersectional approach to actively inform my research to increase the applicability of my findings to those who are underrepresented in this area.”
If you would like to take part, please email [email protected]!
University Health Network
Did you have worsening heart function during cancer therapy, and are you still taking heart medications?
Researchers with the University Health Network are studying whether it is safe to stop heart medication after your heart function has recovered.
Participants must meet the following criteria:
- 18 years or older
- Cancer therapy ended over 6 months ago
- Received anthracyclines or HER2-targeted therapy (e.g. Hercpetin, Trastusumab)
- Heart issues during/after treatment -
- Currently taking at least one heart medication
Participation includes follow-up visits, advanced heart scans, and blood tests. If you’re interested or have questions, reach out to [email protected].
University Health Network
Do you have advanced cancer and experience anxiety, depression, and/or distress?
Researchers at the University Health Network are conducting a research study to find out whether patients with a diagnosis of advanced cancer see a new psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, PEARL, as useful. The results of this study will help inform the type of therapy and support services that are helpful for patients with cancer.
PEARL therapy is a psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy designed to help patients with advanced cancer manage the challenges of living with cancer, reduce death-related and other forms of distress, and promote well-being. It incorporates a psilocybin session embedded within individual psychotherapy.
Eligible participants, over the course of 5-6 months, will participate in 8 psychotherapy sessions (1 psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy session), study questionnaires, and follow-up interviews.
For more information and for eligibility screening, please contact the study coordinator at 416 340 4800 ext. 8051#, or [email protected].
