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Salinas, Manisha

Mayo Clinic

Nemours Children’s Clinic

Citations 1

Abstract A008: Psychosocial Survivorship Gaps in Early-Onset Cancers: Opportunities for Digital Health Research

Clinical Cancer Research | December 10, 2025 | Volume: 31 | Issue: 23_Supplement | Pages: A008-A008

10.1158/1557-3265.earlyonsetca25-a008

Abstract Background: The incidence of cancers diagnosed before age 50 has risen steadily over the past several decades. Survivorship research has not advanced at the same pace as these trends. Existing models of care were developed primarily for older adults and emphasize medical surveillance and risk reduction. Psychosocial dimensions, including anxiety, fear of recurrence, uncertainty about long-term health, and difficulty returning to social or professional roles, remain less consistently addressed. These needs are increasingly relevant as more individuals face the long-term impact of early-onset cancers. Methods: We are developing a digital survivorship model designed to extend support beyond the clinic and focus on psychosocial recovery in the early post-treatment period. The intervention integrates evidence-based behavioral strategies with participatory input from survivors, providers, and community partners. Features under development include educational modules, guided reflection, and interactive prompts to strengthen coping, resilience, and self-management. Evaluation will examine feasibility, acceptability, and early signals of impact using surveys, usage metrics, and qualitative interviews. Preliminary Results: Stakeholder engagement to date has demonstrated strong demand for resources that are both accessible and relevant to the life stage of early-onset survivors. Survivors report that many existing programs feel generic or better suited to older adults. Key priorities identified include managing fear of recurrence, navigating uncertainty about long-term effects, and balancing recovery with the responsibilities of family, career, and caregiving. These themes are informing design decisions and shaping evaluation measures. Conclusion: The rise in early-onset cancers creates an opportunity to expand the scope of cancer control to include survivorship as a central focus. Addressing psychosocial outcomes such as coping, resilience, and quality of life is essential for long-term health. Digital health strategies provide a scalable way to meet these needs by delivering tailored support that complements advances in prevention, detection, and treatment. Integrating survivorship into the broader response to early-onset cancers ensures progress is measured not only by survival but also by the ability of survivors to live well after treatment. Citation Format: Manisha Salinas. Psychosocial Survivorship Gaps in Early-Onset Cancers: Opportunities for Digital Health Research [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: The Rise in Early-Onset Cancers—Knowledge Gaps and Research Opportunities; 2025 Dec 10-13; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2025;31(23_Suppl):Abstract nr A008.