Participating in research is an important step young breast cancer survivors can take to support not only scientific advancement, but also future young women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Because breast cancer occurs at a much lower rate among young women than in our older counterparts, we remain underrepresented in many research studies.
But we can change that. We encourage young survivors (and Co-Survivors) to participate in clinical trials and research studies whenever they can. Here’s a roundup of studies you can sign up for and participate in from home:
Mindfulness for Young Breast Cancer Survivors
Study organizer: University of Missouri-Columbia
Who is eligible: Women diagnosed with breast cancer between 18 - 45 and their partners
What the organizers say: We are recruiting participants to study the ways in which mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can help the lives of breast cancer survivors. Eligible participants are young women diagnosed with breast cancer between 18-45 living anywhere in the US. Partners or spouses of the young women may also participate to study whether including women’s partners or spouses in MBSR interventions is key for optimal health for both members of the couple. Materials are sent to your home and requirements are watching a video each week and providing saliva samples and completing a questionnaire at 4 time points. Upon completion, participants will receive $100 in gift cards ($50 for each partner in the couple) and will be allowed to keep the Android Tablet.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Project
Study organizer: Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
Who is eligible: Women living with metastatic breast cancer
What the organizers say: If you have metastatic breast cancer, join a nationwide movement of patients, doctors, and scientists by sharing your tumor samples, your medical information, and your voice. Together, we can speed the development of future therapies.
4 Conversations
Study Organizer: Duke University
Who is eligible: Women living with metastatic breast cancer and their Co-Survivors
What the organizers say: Participate in the 4 Conversations program/trial that assists advanced disease care planning and decision making. Complete 4 online modules and participate in several online surveys. Monetary compensation provided for MBC patients and their caregivers.
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The Association of Stigma and Self-Disclosure with Social Support and Mental Health among Cancer Patients
Study organizer: Adelphi University
Who is eligible: Anyone diagnosed with cancer in the last six - 18 months who is currently post-treatment
What the organizers say: Participate in a study examining the experiences of living with cancer. Complete a series of questionnaires that assess your experiences of stigma, self-disclosure, social support seeking and utilization, and mental health. To participate, you must be 18 or older, have been diagnosed with any type of cancer six to eighteen months prior to participation in the study, and are currently post-treatment. The entire study will take about 45 minutes to complete. You will have the opportunity to voluntarily provide your email address in order to enter a drawing to win a $100 Amazon gift card.
2017 LIVESTRONG survey
Study organizer: LIVESTRONG
Who is eligible: Anyone who was diagnosed with cancer between ages 15 - 39 in 2006 or later
What the organizers say: LIVESTRONG wants to hear directly from cancer survivors about their experiences with cancer and fertility. With just 15-20 minutes of your time, you can help improve the daily lives of cancer survivors and assist them in planning for a full life after cancer.
Opening the Conversation
Study organizer: Oregon State University
Who is eligible: Women who were diagnosed with cancer between ages 18 - 44 and their male partners
What the organizers say: Oregon State University is Opening the Conversation in a study about fertility and sexual health communication between female cancer survivors (age 18-44) and their male partners. Each partner completes one telephone interview, and each receives a $25 gift card.
Have you participated in a clinical trial or research study? Let us know in the comments.
