NIH-funded research R21 grant

Understanding substance use in young adult cancer survivors

Official title: Mechanisms of substance use behaviors among young adult cancer survivors: A mixed-methods ecological momentary assessment approach

Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-11442112 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A short study to learn why young adults who survived cancer use alcohol or drugs, so doctors can tailor better help.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionState University of New York at Buffalo
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Amherst, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2026
Project endJune 30, 2028
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$467,581
NIH project number1R21CA318035-01
Project IDNIH-11442112 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Young adults aged 18-39 who have survived cancer and may experience substance use issues.

Less likely to help

If you are not experiencing substance use issues or are not a YA cancer survivor, this study may not directly benefit you.

What this research studies

Young adults who survived cancer face unique challenges, and this project uses real-time diary-style prompts plus interviews to understand how substance use develops during survivorship. By combining people’s daily experiences with in-depth discussions, the researchers aim to map triggers, coping strategies, and social factors that influence use. The findings should guide future interventions that fit the needs and life context of YA cancer survivors. The study partners with survivors and their healthcare providers to ensure relevance and practicality of any proposed solutions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to targeted, survivor-friendly strategies to reduce harmful substance use and improve long-term health.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows mixed results; this project aims to build on qualitative insights with real-time data for stronger interventions.

Where this research is happening

  • State University of New York at Buffalo
    Amherst, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Rogers, Andrew H. — State University of New York at Buffalo
  • Study coordinator: Rogers, Andrew H.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.