The Biomedical Research Cluster focuses on physical outcomes related to anatomic structure and organ function. These include new or persisting adverse outcomes after treatment, also called “late effects,” such as cardiomyopathy, secondary cancers, hearing loss, neuropathy, infertility and fatigue, and how these impact measures of overall physical health. Biomedical outcomes are important for young adult cancer survivors because of their impact on quality of life and the long life trajectory of this population.

Due to their age and life stage, young adult cancer survivors are establishing a foundation of personal growth and independence. The Biopsychosocial and Behavioral Research Cluster focuses on outcomes related to quality of life and behavioral health including wellbeing, social isolation, and the impact of a cancer diagnosis on relationships, education, and employment. 

Young adult cancer survivors are at high risk for experiencing delays in care, financial challenges related to treatment, and inadequate health insurance coverage. The Health Services Research Cluster focuses on examining the effective delivery of appropriate care to young adult cancer survivors. Research areas include access to survivorship care, health insurance, health systems navigation, and quality of care. 

The Epidemiology and Population Science Research Cluster focuses on describing and interpreting the patterns of cancer incidence and survival among young adults and their change over time. Southern California is one of the most diverse regions in the United States, which allows Center researchers to understand how cancer affects young adults from various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This effort is critical to identifying cancer disparities and extending the benefits of early cancer diagnosis and effective treatment to this at-risk population.