In addition to YACC’s Recover Study, here are some opportunities to use your voice and your experience to help understand, shape, and improve the future of young adult cancer!
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 April 30 to be included in the May roundup!
Acadia University
The Acadia Research Collective at Acadia University is recruiting for a new online study examining the effectiveness and feasibility of brief online activities to reduce distress for women who are currently diagnosed or have been previously diagnosed with breast cancer.
To see if you are eligible, you can complete the brief eligibility survey by clicking here!
Atlantic Provinces Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Network
Atlantic Provinces Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Network is conducting a research study to help understand issues with cancer treatment fertility preservation (ability to have a baby). Input in the study will be used to inform best practice for patients in Atlantic Canada.
Eligible participants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Cancer patients, diagnosed between the ages of 18-39
- Cancer survivors, diagnosed younger than 15
- Parent or family member/partner of a person who was diagnosed with cancer at a young age (less than 39)
The study will run from Summer 2024 to March 2026 and will include 3-12 meetings per year, depending on the role of the participant.
For more information and to apply, please contact Carol Digout at [email protected].
BC Cancer Foundation, Memorial University, & St. Michael’s Unity Health Toronto
Researchers from BC Cancer, Memorial University, and St. Michael’s Unity Health Toronto are looking for participants who are over the age of 18, have been diagnosed with a hereditary cancer syndrome (HCS), and have received their care in Canada, to participate in an anonymous online survey that aims to explore the socioeconomic impacts of HCS.
You can access the anonymous survey at http://redcap.link/hsc.survey.
If you have questions, or require more information, please contact Brooklyn Sparkes at brooklyn.sparkes@
BC Cancer Foundation
Seeking lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and other non-heterosexual adolescents and young adults with cancer experience in BC who would like to describe their unique perspectives on coming out to their cancer care team.
We’re seeking participants to share their experiences during a 60-90 minute interview. The interviews are part of a PhD research project and information gathered will be used to understand how cancer care professionals can better support their 2S/LGBTQ+ patients.
Email Whitney at [email protected] for more info or to sign up.
University of Calgary
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
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].
Claremont Graduate University
Researchers at Claremont Graduate University are looking for caregivers of young adult cancer patients to participate in a study about the day-to-day experiences and well-being of caregivers!
Participants must be 18 years or older and currently a cancer caregiver of a patient that is 18-35 years old.
This study includes two 30-minute surveys at the beginning and end of the study, and four 3-minute surveys daily over the course of two weeks! . Caregivers will be compensated for their participation!
For more information or to sign up, 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, and have access to a device with WiFi or internet capabilities.
For more information about this study, please contact CCHIP at [email protected] or click here to participate in our eligibility consent and screening.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada
Change is needed to improve the childhood cancer experience in Canada, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada are looking for YOUR help to make that happen with their new research survey.
This survey is open to:
- Siblings of a pediatric cancer survivors.
- Pediatric cancer survivors currently between 18 and 30 years of age.
- Parents, or other type of caregiver, of a pediatric cancer survivor.
- Parents who lost a child to pediatric cancer within the last 5 years.
If you meet the eligibility and want to help make a difference in changing the pediatric cancer experience in Canada, you can find the survey here: https://bit.ly/4gmUQs2
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].
The Sleep, Health, & Wellness Lab at Memorial University are recruiting for a new treatment study for breast cancer survivors who have trouble falling or staying asleep. The purpose of this study is to see how a new home-based polysomnographic measure of sleep depth and quality changes in response to treatment with cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia. They are also interested in examining how these changes in sleep are related to changes in cognitive functioning. As part of this study, eligible participants will receive 7 weeks of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia.
The study is recruiting women who have completed their primary treatment for stage I-III breast cancer (ongoing hormonal treatment is acceptable) at least six months prior, are not diagnosed with another sleep disorder (such as sleep apnea). Participants must live in the St. John’s area.
For those interested in participating, please email [email protected] to inquire about eligibility screening. More information is available here.
Université de Montréal
Researchers at Université de Montréal are conducting a study to better understand the perspective of young adults affected by blood cancers on what they wanted or needed to learn to be able to cope with consequences of cancer and be more active and confident in their ability to manage their health after active treatment.
Researchers are currently recruiting young adults (ages 18-29), who have received a diagnosis of lymphoma, leukemia or other blood cancers, and who are no longer receiving active treatment for at least a year.
Eligible participants will be invited to a 60-minute interview which can be done in-person or via Zoom.
For any questions or to express your interest, contact Benedicta Hartono at [email protected].
Newfoundland & Labrador Health Services
Researchers at Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services are studying the implementation of a web-based application for people with breast, colorectal, lymphoma or head and neck cancer. REACH is an online tool for cancer rehabilitation, designed by clinicians, researchers, and patients that will screen for cancer-related symptoms and link people to rehabilitation resources to help manage side effects from treatment.
Once registered to use REACH, there is an option to also enroll in the research project associated with this App. The REACH Study will look at de-identified data to study how to improve REACH and invite participants to participate in a survey and/or focus group about their experiences using REACH.
To register, or to find out more information, visit reach.uhn.ca, or email the REACH team at [email protected]
Check out this video for more information about REACH.
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, a project being funded by the Health Care Foundation which is a collaboration between NLHS and MUN.
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].
Nova Scotia Health
Researchers at Nova Scotia Health want to hear from female breast cancer survivors who are experiencing issues with sexual function after completing their cancer treatment. The researchers want to explore whether and how women seek help for these issues and investigate the impact these issues have on their lives.
You are eligible to participate in this study if you:
- are at least 18 years of age;
- reside in Canada
- are female
- have been treated for breast cancer in the past 10 years.
Participation in this study is voluntary and would involve attending a one-time one hour long individual Zoom interview. The interview will be audio recorded.
If you have questions about this study or would like to participate, please contact Patience Nishimagizwe at [email protected] , or by phone at (902) 473- 7290.
University of Ottawa
Researchers at the University of Ottawa are developing an online program to help teens and young adults (ages 13-25) manage fear of cancer recurrence, and they’re currently seeking patient partners to join their research team!
You can be a patient partner if you:
• Had cancer before age 19
• Finished treatment at least 2 years ago
• Are currently 13-25 years old
• Are living anywhere in Canada
Patient partners will be paid for their time. For more information or to apply, visit: tinyurl.com/mv6b2x9p
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Researchers at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre are conducting a study on peer navigation for patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers.
The Peer Navigation program (“PeerNav”) uses a digital platform to connect patients diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers with a Peer Navigator who has a similar cancer experience and is trained to guide them through their journey.
They are looking for participants who:
- Have been diagnosed with stage 4 of any type of cancer, and/or had cancer that has metastasized, and/or one or more times that is unlikely to be cured
- Are 18 years or older
- Are comfortable using a computer and the internet
Participants will be invited to watch a short video about the PeerNav program, complete a demographic questionnaire, and take part in an online focus group.
For more information, please contact [email protected], or 416-581-7674
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].
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 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 or 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 of Toronto
Researchers at The Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto are looking for young adults treated for cancer as adolescents to become members of a virtual research advisory group. This group will provide ideas and feedback on research designed to understand how adolescents living with advanced cancer understand and define quality of life.
They are looking for:
- Individuals aged 18-25
- Young adults treated for cancer as an adolescent
- Availability to attend virtual meetings every 2-3 months
“Please consider joining this Advisory Group and sharing your ideas and experiences. We hope that this research contributes to the clinical care of adolescents living with advanced cancer.”
If you would like to participate in this advisory group, or if you are unsure about participating and would like more information, please contact Andrea Johnson, PhD at [email protected]
Western University
Researchers at Western University are conducting a study called “Exploring How Gender-Based Violence Determines Breast Cancer Treatment Trajectories and Health Outcomes for Canadian Women: The START Study.” The study aims to investigate how Canadian women’s relationship and childhood experiences are related to their breast cancer outcomes.
Click here to learn more and sign up.
