Social Experiences of Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer

Participants are being asked to take part in this clinical trial, a type of research study, because investigators want to learn more about the social experiences adolescents and young adults who are being treated or have been treated for cancer. Primary Objectives * Describe differences in social experience variables (peer connectedness, perceived social competence, parent versus peer attachment) based on treatment status: on versus off therapy. * In on-therapy patients, describe differences in social experience variables (peer connectedness, perceived social competence, parent versus peer attachment) based on developmental stage: high school versus post-high school. Secondary Objectives * Assess the social support and peer interaction needs of AYA with cancer as a means of determining stakeholder interest and need for psychosocial interventions targeting social experiences. * Using qualitative interviews, explore patient perceptions of the impact of cancer on social experiences among AYA, particularly with regards to changes in friendships as a result of the cancer diagnosis and the role of the hospital in helping or hindering friendship maintenance/development. Exploratory Objectives * Explore differences in social experience by demographic, disease and treatment factors, including: gender, diagnostic category (brain tumor, leukemia/lymphoma, solid tumor), late effects/symptom burden, and treatment (e.g., treatment intensity, serious medical events). * Explore associations between perceived impact of cancer and social experience in AYA. * Explore associations between use of social media and social experience. * Explore associations between social experiences and overall functioning (quality of life, distress, coping). * Explore the possibility of subclasses of AYA by using person-centered analyses to empirically derive profiles of social experience.

Sex

All

Minimum age

15 Years

Maximum age

22 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* All Participants
* Age 15 - 22
* Primary oncology diagnosis.
* Reads and speaks English.
* On-Therapy Strata

  * 2 - 12 months from diagnosis and receiving cancer-directed therapy.
* Off-Therapy Strata

  * 1 - 4 years post-treatment, diagnosed at ≥13 years of age.
* Caregivers Reads and speaks English
* Consent received from adult participant to contact, as it applies

Exclusion Criteria:

* Surgery only treatment plan.
* IQ less than 70 as documented in the medical record.
* Diagnosis of a genetic disorder/pre-existing neurodevelopmental condition associated with neurocognitive or social impairment (e.g., autism, Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), Down syndrome).
* Inability or unwillingness of research participant or legal - guardian/representative to give written informed consent.