Program to help cancer survivors improve health behaviors

Scalable TELeheaLth Cancer CARe: The STELLAR Program to Treat Cancer Risk Behaviors

NA · Northwestern University · NCT05687604

This study is testing a new program to help cancer survivors improve their health habits, like losing weight and being more active, to see if it works better than regular care.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNorthwestern University (other)
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT05687604 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to enhance the health, survival, and quality of life of cancer survivors by addressing risk behaviors such as obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity. The STELLAR program combines three effective interventions into a single treatment approach, evaluating its impact compared to standard care. Participants will set personal goals related to their health behaviors and track their progress using various methods, including an app. The study will also assess the reach and effectiveness of the program across diverse patient demographics.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include cancer survivors over 18 years old who engage in less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week, have a BMI of 25 or higher, or are current or recent smokers.

Not a fit: Patients currently participating in other weight loss, smoking cessation, or physical activity interventions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the health outcomes and quality of life for cancer survivors by reducing risk behaviors.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar behavioral intervention approaches, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this novel program.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Northwestern Medicine patient
* Over 18 years old
* Meet at least 1 of the following 3 criteria:
* Engage in \<150 min/week of physical activity
* BMI of ≥25
* Report that they currently smoke or smoked within the last year
* Diagnosed with any cancer (except non-melanoma skin)
* Ability to attend telehealth visits either via landline, cell phone, smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer
* 3 months post curative intent treatment if BMI of ≥25 or engage in \<150 min/week of physical activity
* Post curative intent treatment if they currently smoke or smoked within the last year

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently in another dietary, weight loss, smoking cessation (including cessation pharmacotherapy), or physical activity treatment/intervention.
* Limited level of oral and written English or Spanish
* Cognitively impaired adults
* Prisoners
* Participants will be excluded from the physical activity and weight loss interventions (but not the smoking cessation component) for:
* Absolute contraindications to exercise (i.e., acute myocardial infarction, complete heart block, acute congestive heart failure, unstable angina, uncontrolled hypertension), metastatic disease or planned elective surgery
* Pregnant or plans to become pregnant.
* Individuals engaging in the physical activity or weight loss interventions must pass pre- physical activity participation screening or obtain medical clearance

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Obesity, Smoking Cessation, Physical Inactivity

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.