Opening the Conversation

Taking on life after cancer together

Research study on relationships after cancer

What you need to know

If you participate in this study:

  • You and your partner will learn coping and communication skills that can improve your health and relationship after cancer.
  • Couples will be randomly assigned to participate in one of two skill-building programs. Programs will be delivered online via Zoom.

Program #1

  • Couples will participate in 5 weekly sessions.
  • Couples will learn ways to improve their personal and relationship health, focusing on coping with changes in intimacy and family building plans.

Program #2

  • Couples will participate in 4 weekly sessions.
    Couples will learn ways to improve their personal and relationship health, focusing on coping with changes in relationships after cancer.

Couples in both programs will:

  • Complete 1 online survey before the program starts.
  • Complete 2 online surveys after the program ends.
  • Some participants will be invited for a follow-up interview about their experience in the program.
  • Participants will receive $10 gift cards for each completed survey and $20 for a follow-up interview.

 

To be eligible

  • You or your partner will have had a breast or gynecologic cancer diagnosis at age 18-39, between 6 months to 5 years ago.
  • Both partners must agree to participate.
  • We invite couples with any sexual orientation and gender identity to participate.

 

How to participate

If you are interested in finding out more or have questions, please contact our study team at ayahealth@oregonstate.edu.

You can also let us know how to contact you by filling out this form.

Your participation in this study will only be used for purposes of research, and your information will be kept confidential.

 

Funding

This study is sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

 

Research Team

Principal Investigator

 

Co-Investigators and Consultants

  • Marie Harvey, DrPH, Oregon State University
  • Karen Lyons, Ph.D., Boston College
  • Jennifer Reese, Ph.D., Fox Chase Cancer Center
  • Chiara Acquati, Ph.D., University of Houston
  • Brandon Hayes-Lattin, MD, Oregon Health & Science University
  • Susan Hedlund, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, Oregon Health & Science University
  • Deborah Kashy, Ph.D., Michigan State University
  • John Salsman, Ph.D., Wake Forest School of Medicine

 

Study Coordinator

  • Tammy Winfield, MS, Oregon State University

 

Trainees

  • Stephanie Corey, MPH, Oregon State University
  • Julia Drizin, MA, Oregon State University
  • Ellie Smith, MA, Oregon State University

 

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