ChronCan Chronicling Cancer Piloting a Novel Writing Intervention With Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are exploring how creative writing might help teenagers and young adults with cancer by studying a writing-based narrative medicine intervention. This pilot study aims to see if young cancer patients aged 15 to 25 want to participate in a guided writing exercise and whether they find the activity helpful for their well-being. The study is being conducted by St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital with a focus on understanding this approachs feasibility and acceptability. Participants will write about their cancer experiences using open-ended prompts and receive support from an expert writer. They will meet briefly with this expert for 15 to 30 minutes at the start and may choose to have 1 to 3 additional meetings over two months for further guidance. After completing the writing exercise, participants will take part in an informal interview about their experience, occurring around two months after enrollment, with an optional second interview 6 to 12 months later. Bereaved parents of participants may also be interviewed. During the study, researchers will track how often participants meet with the writing expert and how many complete the writing exercise. The main outcomes include the acceptability of the intervention based on participants reflections in the post-intervention interviews. The total involvement lasts about two months, with possible follow-up interviews later. This study does not involve any medication or medical procedures, focusing instead on behavioral support and personal storytelling.

Writing Intervention With Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer