Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors are known to experience a range of poor health and wellbeing outcomes as they navigate the impacts of cancer and its treatment during a period of profound developmental change.
Compared to healthy peers they are at increased risk of earlier mortality and chronic health conditions (1,2) and lower health-related quality of life across multiple domains (3,4,5,6), but may not actively seek help to address their survivorship needs (7).
ReGenerate is a free online resource created for young people aged 15-25 to assist with post-treatment transitions and support health and wellbeing after cancer. Co-designed and developed with young survivors themselves, ReGenerate is the result of a partnership between AYA specialist clinical, academic and commercial creative entities. It features evidence-based information and advice from expert clinicians and AYA survivors on nine key topics, delivered through videos, podcasts and interactive written material. Topics include:
- Exercise & getting active
- Diet & nutrition
- Emotional health and wellbeing
- Your GP & late effects
- Fatigue
- School, study & work
- Relationships
- Intimacy & sex
- Fertility
Results from a pilot with 29 AYA cancer survivors demonstrate positive impacts on user knowledge, intentions, attitudes and help-seeking behaviour and support ReGenerate’s potential to improve self-management, help support unmet information needs and promote post-treatment health and wellbeing for young cancer survivors.
Developed in partnership with young people by the Victorian Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Service (ONTrac at Peter Mac), Fika Entertainment and Deakin University, with funding generously provided by the Victorian Department of Health.
