NIH-funded research R37 grant

Effects of early-onset colorectal cancer on reproductive health

Official title: Physiological and psychosocial aspects of reproductive health after early-onset colorectal cancer

Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11075793 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how early-onset colorectal cancer and its treatments impact the reproductive health of adults aged 18 to 49, so we can better understand their fertility and sexual health concerns over time.

More Colorectal Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, United States)
Project startMay 11, 2023
Project endApril 30, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$617,629
NIH project number5R37CA273318-03
Project IDNIH-11075793 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 18 to 49 who have been diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer.

Less likely to help

Patients outside the age range of 18 to 49 or those who have not been diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) and its treatments affect the reproductive health of adults aged 18 to 49. It aims to gather prospective data on fertility and sexual health concerns faced by CRC survivors, using validated questionnaires and qualitative interviews to assess changes over time. By focusing on both physiological and psychosocial aspects, the study seeks to identify the specific reproductive health needs of this patient population.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved reproductive health care and support for young adults affected by colorectal cancer.

How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically addressing reproductive health in early-onset CRC survivors, similar studies in cancer survivorship have shown promising results in understanding and addressing psychosocial health needs.

Where this research is happening

  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center
    Nashville, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Holowatyj, Andreana Natalie — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Holowatyj, Andreana Natalie

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Reproductive health after early-onset colorectal cancer in young adults

    This study follows adults aged 18–49 who have had early-onset colorectal cancer to understand how treatments affect fertility, sexual health, and well-being over time.

    NIH research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · Nashville, United States · NIH-11336346

  • Energy balance and reproductive health after early-onset colorectal cancer

    This project looks at how physical activity and energy balance affect fertility in adults who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer before age 50.

    NIH research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · Nashville, United States · NIH-11280264

  • Improving colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care.

    This study is working to help more people get screened for colorectal cancer and receive the follow-up care they need, especially those who haven't been screened much before, so that everyone can have better access to important health checks and improve their overall health.

    NIH research Research Triangle Institute · Research Triangle Park, United States · NIH-9627071

  • AskDoki: a mobile chat bot to improve adolescent sexual health in Kenyan youth

    A mobile AI chat bot, AskDoki, will provide on-demand sexual and reproductive health information to 15-year-olds in urban Kenyan communities, with support from trained youth peer leaders.

    NIH research Pacific Institute for Res and Evaluation · Beltsville, United States · NIH-11609202

  • Male pesticide exposure and reproductive health through epigenetics

    This project looks at how a man’s exposure to pesticides might affect his fertility and the health of his future children through changes in DNA.

    NIH research University of Southern California · Los Angeles, UNITED STATES · NIH-11606670

  • Colorectal cancer prognosis through a broad, collaborative study

    A large, multi-center study follows people newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer to find biomarkers and patterns that predict outcomes and guide future care.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11590756

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.