Family-Centered Communication for Childhood Cancer

This trial explores a new method to enhance communication between young adult Hispanic/Latino cancer survivors, their families, and their doctors. The goal is to ensure everyone better understands the survivor's needs and concerns, with support from community health workers. This method is called the Family-Centered Communication Intervention. Participants must be Hispanic/Latino, have survived childhood cancer, received chemotherapy or radiation, be aged 18-25, and have been cancer-free for at least five years. They need fluency in English or Spanish and must receive care at Stanford while living in specific counties in California.

As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative communication strategies that could benefit future cancer survivors and their families.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Research shows that communication programs focused on families are well-received and have positive effects. Studies have found that these programs often help families dealing with cancer by improving their well-being, knowledge, and involvement. They also reduce stress and anxiety for parents and caregivers.

Researchers are excited about the Family-Centered Communication Intervention because it focuses on enhancing communication between young adult cancer survivors and their support persons, which is a unique approach compared to traditional medical treatments. Unlike standard care that primarily addresses physical health, this intervention targets emotional and psychosocial support, potentially improving overall well-being and quality of life for survivors. By involving community health workers and integrating this communication-focused intervention with survivorship clinic visits, it aims to create a more holistic and supportive care environment for young survivors and their families.

This trial will evaluate a Family-Centered Communication Intervention provided to participants. Studies have shown that improved family communication about cancer increases satisfaction with care. For instance, parents felt more content after using similar communication methods. Better communication helps families and patients manage the illness at home more comfortably and aids in making informed decisions. These methods often build trust between families and healthcare teams, which is crucial for ongoing support and effective care. Overall, focusing on family-centered communication has shown promising results in easing the cancer journey for families.¹⁴⁵⁶⁷