Teens Taking Charge: Managing Cancer Online

Cancer is the most common potentially fatal disease of adolescence and the Internet represents an ideal means to deliver education, self-monitoring capabilities, and social support to enhance disease self-management by adolescents with cancer. While two interactive coping websites exist for young people with cancer, they are: (1) not interactive, (2) do not focus on helping youth gain skills for transition and independence, and (3) do not provide opportunities for meaningful social support. In summary, there is a crucial need to develop a comprehensive interactive Internet-based self-management program targeting AWC that is comprised of cancer education, self-management skills, and opportunities for social support, and that is cost-effective.

Sex

All

Minimum age

12 Years

Maximum age

18 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Parents and adolescents will be eligible to participate if the adolescents are:

  1. between 12-18 years of age
  2. diagnosed with cancer (at least 3 months from diagnosis)
  3. on active treatment
  4. able to speak and read English and/or French at a Grade 6 level

Exclusion Criteria:

* Adolescents will be excluded if they:

  1. have major cognitive impairments
  2. have reduced executive function that may impact their ability to understand and use the online program
  3. are terminal/palliative as determined by their oncologist Parents/caregivers are not eligible to participate in the study alone (without an adolescent)