School of Clinical Medicine Behavioural Sciences Unit

Young People Thriving in Survivorship

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Teenage girls are participating in a support group meeting at school, sharing their experiences and providing mutual support. Image with copy space.

Understanding and addressing adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors’ psychological needs through a needs-based model of comprehensive survivorship support.

What does this study aim to achieve?

We’re aiming to develop and pilot-test a new, comprehensive survivorship service for all adolescents and young adults (15 – 25 years) following cancer treatment at Sydney Youth Cancer Service, Randwick. This new service will help young people have greater access to psychological support, as well as neuropsychological testing, to address concerns with thinking, memory and concentration

Who can participate?

This study will be split into two stages, and Stage 1 will be opening for recruitment soon – if you’re interested, you can fill in your contact details below!

In the first stage, we’ll be asking adolescents and young adults with cancer, and healthcare professionals to participate. Parents/caregivers are also welcome to participate, if interested.

In the second stage,  adolescents and young adults who have had cancer and have finished  active cancer treatment may take part. Their parents and carers will have the option to participate, but it is not required.

What does study participation involve?

Stage 1 involves two 2-hour workshops. We will hold separate workshop sessions with young people who have had cancer, and with healthcare professionals. We’re running these workshops to develop the new model of comprehensive psychosocial survivorship care and plan how it will be integrated into current care practices at the hospital.

In Stage 2, we’ll begin pilot-testing the new psychosocial survivorship model of care developed in Stage 1 to establish its feasibility, acceptability, and impact on outcomes that matter to young people (preliminary efficacy).

Who can I ask for more information?

For further information on this study, please enter your details below.

How is this study supported?

This project was awarded a grant through Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation to support the team. This study is in partnership with Sydney Youth Cancer Service.

This project has been approved by the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District HREC (2024/ETH00980) to be conducted at the Prince of Wales Hospital and Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick.