Helping young adult caregivers communicate better with cancer patients
Official title: Developing a communication support intervention for cancer caregivers in emerging and young adulthood
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11321342 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating helpful tools for young adults aged 18-35 who are taking care of a parent with cancer, to make it easier for them to communicate and cope with the challenges they face while providing care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $247,371 |
| NIH project number | 4R00CA279651-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11321342 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adult caregivers aged 18-35 who are providing care for a parent diagnosed with cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not caregivers or who are outside the age range of 18-35 may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a communication support intervention specifically for young adult caregivers aged 18-35 who are caring for a parent with cancer. It aims to address the unique psychological and communication challenges these caregivers face, as they often experience higher levels of distress and difficulty in navigating their caregiving roles. The intervention will provide tools and strategies to enhance open communication within the family, which is crucial for both the caregiver's and the patient's well-being. By understanding the specific needs of this demographic, the research seeks to create tailored resources that can improve their caregiving experience.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mental health and communication skills of young adult caregivers, leading to better outcomes for both caregivers and their parents with cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that communication interventions can lead to improved outcomes for both caregivers and patients, indicating a promising approach in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kastrinos, Amanda — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Kastrinos, Amanda
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.