Improving communication about sexual and reproductive health for young cancer patients
Official title: Improving Sexual and Reproductive Health Communication Between Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Patients and Clinicians: A Patient-Centered Intervention
Funded at Connecticut Children's Medical Center · NIH-10980634 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping young cancer patients talk more openly with their doctors about sexual and reproductive health, because many of them feel they need more support in this area during their treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Connecticut Children's Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hartford, United States) |
| Project start | July 9, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $273,211 |
| NIH project number | 1K08CA286736-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10980634 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults undergoing cancer treatment who require guidance on sexual and reproductive health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently undergoing cancer treatment or who are outside the adolescent and young adult age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance communication between adolescent and young adult cancer patients and their healthcare providers regarding sexual and reproductive health (SRH). It addresses the significant gap in SRH counseling that many young patients experience, as nearly 60% report needing this support during treatment. The project will develop a patient-centered intervention to facilitate individualized care and improve discussions about SRH. The principal investigator will undergo training in behavioral intervention science and mixed methods analysis to effectively implement this initiative.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better-informed decisions regarding sexual and reproductive health for young cancer patients, ultimately improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically targeting SRH communication in young cancer patients, similar interventions in other areas of adolescent health have shown promise.
Where this research is happening
-
Connecticut Children's Medical Center
Hartford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frederick, Natasha Nichole — Connecticut Children's Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Frederick, Natasha Nichole
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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.