Actively Recruiting
Digital Peer Navigation for Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer: A Feasibility Study
Led by University Health Network, Toronto · Updated on 2026-05-04
138
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
13 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University Health Network, Toronto
Lead Sponsor
C
Canadian Cancer Society (CCS)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Adolescents and young adults (AYA) who have finished cancer treatment face unique challenges including ongoing symptoms, treatment complications, disrupted education and careers, and financial difficulties. They often lack access to peers, relevant information, and emotional support, leading to gaps in care. This study aims to adapt and evaluate a digital peer navigation program originally developed for prostate cancer patients, to support AYA cancer survivors during their post-treatment phase and help them better manage their health. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive the digital peer navigation program or usual care. Those in the intervention group will be matched with a trained peer navigator through a digital app for three months. Peer navigators will provide practical, informational, and emotional support via messaging, videoconference, or telephone. The app also offers a health resource library with cancer-related information. Control group participants will receive usual care and may access the intervention after the study. Participants will be assessed at the start and after three months for patient activation, health utility, supportive care needs, anxiety, depression, and social support. The study will also monitor app usage, patient-navigator interactions, and cost-effectiveness. Interviews will gather experiences to understand how the program works and identify barriers and facilitators. The study duration for each participant is three months post-treatment support and follow-up.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Digital Peer Navigation for Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Are 18-40 years old
- Were diagnosed with breast cancer, testicular cancer, lymphoma, or sarcoma between ages 15-39
- Have completed cancer therapy within the last 12 months
- Are comfortable using the internet
- Have an active email address or are willing to create one
- Able to read and speak English
You will not qualify if you...
- Have metastatic disease or are receiving palliative end-of-life care
- Are not willing to be randomized
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person or virtual)
Duration - 3 months
Participants in the intervention group receive ongoing support from a trained peer navigator through a digital app for 3 months after completing cancer treatment. This includes practical, informational, and emotional support via messaging, videoconference, or telephone, along with access to a health resource library.
Participants communicate digitally with peer navigators as needed over 3 months
Duration - 3 months
Participants complete outcome assessments measuring patient activation, supportive care needs, quality of life, anxiety, depression, and social support at baseline and after 3 months.
2 assessment visits (baseline and 3 months)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University Health Network
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5G 2C4
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jackie Bender, PhD
L
Logan Meyers, MSc
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Number of Arms
2
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