UBC Sociology MA Student Nathan Shen has been awarded a Canada Graduate Scholarship by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CGS-M by CIHR) to support his research efforts in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivorship in BC.
Shen’s research aims to provide new insights into the health challenges faced by highly vulnerable youth with cancer. His MA thesis aims to explore how the experiences of young cancer survivors, their subsequent social conditions, and their quality of life are affected by their age at diagnosis, the treatments they receive, the follow-up care they receive, and the severity of their chronic conditions. In partnership with patients and cancer care allies, his work hopes to advance the cancer care needs of adolescents and young adults and inspire best practices in cancer care in British Columbia.
Nathan Shen
Cancer can significantly change the lives of adolescents and young adults, who are experiencing significant changes in their identities and relationships. Although surviving cancer is often equated with overcoming the illness, it is more complex than simply being cured of the disease. As adolescence and young adulthood are often considered times of growth, independence, and exploration, young adult cancer survivors face more challenges than other survivor groups in managing their health conditions alongside school, work, and family commitments.
Shen’s research focuses on understanding the experiences of cancer survivors and their families, particularly in how they report their encounters with the healthcare system in BC and how their illness affects their quality of life. He is specifically interested in examining the journey of young adult cancer survivors as they transition into a “post-cancer world,” exploring the unique challenges they face during cancer survivorship. By exploring the perspectives of survivors and their families, he hopes to identify areas for improvement in cancer care and survivorship support, and ultimately contribute to the development of more patient-centered and effective cancer care practices in BC.
