Researchers talked to young adults (ages 18-39) who survived cancer to understand what health challenges they face and what kind of help would work best for them. They found that loneliness is a big problem, affecting almost half of the survivors studied. The good news? Most young survivors want help with diet and exercise, and they’re flexible about whether they get support in groups or one-on-one, and whether it’s in person or online. The study also included conversations with doctors and nurses to understand what barriers make it hard for young survivors to stay healthy and what solutions might actually work in their communities.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: What health goals matter most to young cancer survivors after treatment ends, what makes it hard for them to stay healthy, and what type of support programs they’d actually use
- Who participated: 17 young adults (ages 18-39) who had survived cancer and 11 healthcare providers who work with young cancer survivors, all from New Mexico
- Key finding: Nearly half of young cancer survivors feel socially isolated (alone), and 82% are interested in programs about healthy eating and exercise. Most survivors (71%) are open to getting help either in person or online, and 59% don’t care if they work with a group or one-on-one.
- What it means for you: If you’re a young cancer survivor, help is available and can be flexible to fit your life. Programs focusing on both physical health (diet, exercise) and mental health (dealing with stress and loneliness) may work best. Talk to your healthcare team about what options exist in your area.
The Research Details
This study used a mixed-methods approach, which means researchers combined two ways of gathering information. First, they gave surveys (questionnaires) to young cancer survivors and healthcare providers to collect numbers and facts about their situations. Second, they had one-on-one conversations (interviews) with both groups to understand their personal experiences and feelings in more detail. This combination helps researchers understand not just what’s happening, but why it’s happening and how people actually feel about it.
The researchers focused on New Mexico specifically because they wanted to understand how health challenges and solutions might be different in different regions and communities. They looked at what doctors call ‘social determinants of health’—basically, all the life circumstances that affect whether someone can stay healthy, like having money, transportation, social connections, and access to healthcare.
By talking to both survivors and the healthcare providers who care for them, the researchers got a complete picture of the challenges and what kinds of solutions might actually work in real life.
Understanding what young cancer survivors actually need—rather than guessing—is important because this group faces unique challenges. They’re old enough to be independent but may still be dealing with long-term effects of cancer treatment. By asking them directly what barriers they face and what help they want, researchers can design programs that people will actually use and that will actually help. Getting input from healthcare providers ensures the solutions are realistic and can be delivered in real medical settings.
This study has some strengths: it asked both survivors and healthcare providers, giving multiple perspectives; it used both surveys and interviews to get detailed information; and it focused on a specific region to understand local needs. However, the study is relatively small (28 people total) and only included people from New Mexico, so the findings may not apply everywhere. The researchers were honest about these limitations, which is a good sign of scientific integrity.
What the Results Show
The most striking finding was that social isolation—feeling alone or disconnected from others—affected 47% of the young cancer survivors studied. This is important because loneliness can make it harder to stay healthy and can affect mental health.
When asked what kind of health programs they’d be interested in, 82% of young survivors said they wanted help with diet and exercise. This shows that survivors recognize these are important for their health and want support in these areas.
The survivors were very flexible about how they’d like to receive help. About 71% said they’d be open to either in-person or online programs, and 59% said they didn’t have a strong preference between group programs and one-on-one support. This flexibility is important because it means programs can be designed in different ways and still reach people.
Both survivors and healthcare providers emphasized that young cancer survivors need support that addresses three areas: physical health (body), mental health (emotions and stress), and social health (connections with others). They also said that programs need to be tailored to the specific culture and needs of different communities.
Healthcare providers highlighted that the transition from active cancer treatment to long-term health management is a critical time when young survivors need extra support. Providers also stressed that solutions need to involve collaboration between different parts of the healthcare system and community organizations. Both groups agreed that peer support—connecting with other young survivors—is particularly valuable. Providers emphasized that culturally informed care (understanding and respecting different cultural backgrounds) makes programs more effective.
Previous research has shown that cancer survivors face higher risks of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. This study adds important new information by showing that young survivors specifically struggle with social isolation and want flexible, community-based support. The finding that survivors want both physical and mental health support aligns with growing research showing that these areas are connected and need to be addressed together.
The study included only 28 people from one state (New Mexico), so the findings may not apply to young cancer survivors in other regions or countries with different healthcare systems and communities. The study didn’t include information about the survivors’ income, education, or other details that might affect their health needs. Additionally, because this is a small study, the results should be seen as suggestions for future research rather than definitive answers. The researchers were transparent about these limitations, which helps readers understand how to interpret the findings.
The Bottom Line
If you’re a young cancer survivor: (1) Look for health programs that address both physical health (diet, exercise) and mental health (stress, anxiety); (2) Consider programs that include peer support or community connection, since loneliness is common; (3) Ask your healthcare team about flexible options—whether in-person or online, group or individual; (4) Seek care providers who understand your cultural background and specific needs. Healthcare systems should: (1) Develop programs specifically designed for young survivors (not just older cancer survivors); (2) Make programs flexible in format and delivery; (3) Include mental health and social support alongside physical health; (4) Involve young survivors in designing programs so they actually meet real needs.
Young adults (ages 18-39) who have survived cancer should pay attention to these findings, as should their families and healthcare providers. Healthcare systems and community organizations in areas with diverse populations should consider these recommendations when planning survivorship programs. This research is particularly relevant for people in rural or underserved areas where access to specialized cancer survivor programs may be limited.
Changes in health behaviors (like diet and exercise) typically show benefits within 4-8 weeks, though bigger health improvements may take several months. Mental health and social connection improvements may be felt more quickly—sometimes within weeks of starting a supportive program. Long-term health benefits (like reduced risk of chronic disease) develop over months and years of consistent healthy behaviors.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track three things weekly: (1) Days you engaged in physical activity (goal: 150 minutes per week); (2) Social connections (number of meaningful interactions with friends, family, or support groups); (3) Mental health check-ins (rate your stress/mood on a 1-10 scale daily). This captures the three health areas the research identified as important.
- Use the app to find and join a young cancer survivor support group (in-person or online based on your preference), set a weekly goal for physical activity that fits your life, and schedule regular check-ins with your healthcare provider about both physical and mental health. The app could send reminders for these activities and celebrate progress.
- Set up monthly reviews where you look at your activity, social connection, and mental health trends. If you notice social isolation increasing or mental health declining, that’s a signal to reach out to your healthcare provider or support group. Use the app to track which types of activities (group vs. individual, in-person vs. online) work best for you, so you can focus on what actually fits your life.
This research describes what young cancer survivors say they need and want, but it’s a small study from one region. The findings should not replace personalized medical advice from your oncologist or healthcare team. Every cancer survivor’s situation is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Before starting any new health program or making major lifestyle changes, discuss your specific situation with your healthcare provider, especially if you have ongoing side effects from cancer treatment. If you’re struggling with mental health or feeling isolated, please reach out to a mental health professional or your healthcare team—these are common challenges for cancer survivors and there is help available.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.