Using Tailored mHealth Strategies to Promote Weight Management Among Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors

Launched by UNC LINEBERGER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER · Feb 21, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The AYA WELL study is a clinical trial aimed at helping young adults and adolescents who are survivors of cancer manage their weight. This study is specifically designed for individuals aged 18-39 who were diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 15 and 39 and have struggled with overweight or obesity. Participants will be divided into two groups: one group will receive a comprehensive mobile health program that provides support and tools for weight management, while the other group will receive basic digital tools, health education, and peer support but will manage their weight on their own. The study will last for 12 months, and participants' progress will be checked at 3, 6, and 12 months.

To be eligible for the study, participants must have completed their cancer treatment at least six months ago and have a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 50. However, there are some exclusions, such as individuals with certain medical conditions or those who have undergone weight loss surgery. This trial is not currently recruiting participants, but it's an opportunity for eligible young cancer survivors to receive tailored support in managing their weight and improving their health. The study emphasizes the importance of using mobile technology to make weight management more accessible and effective for this unique group of survivors.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 18-39 years old at the time of consent.
• • Diagnosed with first invasive cancer between ages 15-39 years (self-report).
• • Within 10 years of diagnosis with no evidence of progressive disease or second primary cancers (self-report).
• • Completed active cancer directed therapy (cytotoxic chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or definitive surgical intervention) at least six months prior to enrollment; may be receiving "maintenance" therapy to prevent recurrences (self-report).
• • Body mass index (BMI) of 25-50 kg/m2
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Type 1 diabetes or currently receiving certain medical treatments for Type 2 diabetes
• • Report a history of heart attack or stroke within previous 6 months
• • Health problems which preclude ability to walk for physical activity (e.g., lower limb amputation). Participants endorsing items 1-4 on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) (experience of heart problems, frequent chest pains, or faintness or dizziness) will be excluded from the study.
• • Lost 5% or more of body weight (and kept it off) in the last 3 months
• • Lifetime history of clinical diagnosis or treatment of eating disorder (anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa), OR report of compensatory behaviors within the previous 3 months
• • Currently pregnant, pregnant within the past 6 months, or planning to become pregnant within the next 12 months
• • Untreated thyroid disease or any changes (type or dose) in thyroid medication in last 6 months
• • Hospitalization for depression or other psychiatric disorder within the past 12 months.
• • History of psychotic disorder or uncontrolled bipolar disorder
• • Currently participating in a weight loss, nutrition, or physical activity study or program or other study that would interfere with this study
• • Currently using prescription medications with known effects on appetite or weight (e.g., oral steroids, weight loss medications), with the exception of individuals on a stable dose of SSRIs for 3 months)
• • Previous surgical procedure for weight loss or planned weight loss surgery in the next year
• • Inability to speak and read English
• • Does not reside in the United States
• • Do not have mobile phone with data plan or willing to be contacted by study through text messaging
• • No Internet access
• • Not willing to be randomized to either intervention arm