Digital peer support for young adults with cancer
Official title: Digital Peer Navigation for Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer: A Feasibility Study
Run by University Health Network, Toronto · NCT06193369 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a digital support program to see if it can help young adults who have finished cancer treatment by connecting them with trained peers for guidance and encouragement.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 138 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Health Network, Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 27, 2024 |
| Main results expected | September 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06193369 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are young adults aged 18-40 who have recently completed treatment for breast or testicular cancer, lymphoma, or sarcoma.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with metastatic disease or those receiving palliative end-of-life care may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project focuses on adolescents and young adults (AYA) who have completed cancer treatment and face unique challenges in their recovery. It aims to adapt an existing digital peer navigation program, originally designed for prostate cancer patients, to meet the specific needs of AYA cancer survivors. Participants will be matched with trained peer navigators through a digital app, providing them with practical, informational, and emotional support to enhance their post-treatment experience. The study evaluates the feasibility of this approach in overcoming barriers to care and improving patient activation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the emotional and practical support available to young adults recovering from cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that peer navigation can improve care timeliness and reduce healthcare costs, indicating potential success for this adapted approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. Are 18-40 years old; 2. Were diagnosed with breast or testicular cancer, lymphoma or sarcoma between the ages of 15-39 years old; 3. Have completed therapy within the last 12 months; 4. Are comfortable using the internet; 5. Have an active email address OR are willing to create one; 6. Able to read and speak English. Exclusion criteria: 1. Have metastatic disease or are receiving palliative end-of-life care; 2. Are not willing to be randomized.
Where it's running
-
University Health Network
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jackie Bender, PhD — Uhn
- Study coordinator: Jackie Bender, PhD
- Email: Jackie.Bender@uhn.ca
- Phone: 416-581-8606
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Helping adolescent and young adult cancer survivors manage symptoms and stay engaged in post-treatment care
This trial will test whether AYA STEPS, a six-session digital program, can help adolescent and young adult cancer survivors reduce symptoms and keep up with recommended follow-up care.
-
Navigation program for young cancer survivors
This project tests an adapted navigation program to help adolescent and young adult cancer survivors get timely care within Kaiser Permanente Southern California.
-
Validation of a blood test for early cancer detection and monitoring
This study is testing a blood test to see if it can help find different types of cancer early and monitor patients after treatment.
-
A resource for collecting cancer data and biospecimens
This study is creating a resource to collect health information and samples from cancer patients and healthy individuals to help improve cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
-
Clonal Hematopoiesis Effects with Chemo and Radiation in Solid Cancers
This study tests whether clonal hematopoiesis affects outcomes for adults with solid cancers who are receiving chemotherapy or radiation.
-
Hypnosis to help adolescents and young adults cope with cancer and chemotherapy
This study tests whether hypnosis can reduce anxiety and chemotherapy-related symptoms in young people with sarcoma, germ cell tumors, or breast cancer.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.