A Study for LGBTQ+ Cancer Patients and Caregivers
FOCUS ON US is a program designed to support LGBTQ+ cancer patients and caregivers. It adapts an existing program, FOCUS, to better meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community based on feedback from LGBTQ+ cancer survivors, caregivers, and researchers.
The program includes 5 Zoom sessions with a program leader over 12 weeks, completed together by the patient and their caregiver.
If you’re interested in joining, click below to take our screening survey! Your participation and data will be kept confidential.
Am I eligible for FOCUS ON US?
All participants in FOCUS ON US must:
Be age 18 or older
Be able to complete all parts of the study, including surveys and program sessions, in English
Live in the United States
Cancer patients must:
Have been diagnosed with cancer, or experienced a cancer recurrence or progression within the past 2 years
Have a friend or family member who acted as a cancer caregiver and who is willing to participate in all study components with them
Identify as LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or other sexual or gender minority) OR have a caregiver who identifies as LGBTQ+
Caregivers must:
Have provided care to a cancer patient (e.g., as a partner, family member, or friend)
Be confirmed by the patient as their caregiver
Identify as LGBTQ+ OR have provided care to a cancer patient who identifies as LGBTQ+
Note: Multiple caregivers for the same patient can participate if they meet these criteria and are willing to complete all program activities.
To determine whether you are eligible to participate, please complete the screening survey below.
What Will I Do in This Study?
The FOCUS ON US Program
Patients and caregivers will attend 5 Zoom sessions together over 2-3 months
Participants will be randomly assigned to:
Start FOCUS ON US immediately, OR
Start it 6 months later
Surveys
Complete online surveys at three points:
Before starting the FOCUS ON US Program/at study enrollment
Immediately after finishing the FOCUS ON US Program / 3 months after study enrollment
3 months after finishing the FOCUS ON US Program / 6 months after study enrollment
Feedback Interview
After completing the program, you will be invited to complete a short interview to share your feedback
Compensation
Earn $30 gift cards for each completed survey (up to $90 total per person)
What is FOCUS ON US?
FOCUS ON US is a 5-session program designed with the LGBTQ+ community to support LGBTQ+ cancer patients and caregivers. It is based on the previous FOCUS Program. Sessions are conducted via Zoom and include content related to:
F: Family involvement
O: Outlook on cancer
C: Coping effectiveness
U: Uncertainty reduction
S: Symptom management.
Session Breakdown:
Session 1 (60–90 minutes): Introduce the FOCUS ON US Program; discuss key issues the patient and caregiver want to address
Session 2 (20–30 minutes per participant): One-on-one meetings with the program leader to explore individual concerns.
Session 3 (60–90 minutes): Provide resources and practice new skills to address the issues identified
Session 4 (20–30 minutes): Check-in on progress and applying skills from Session 3.
Session 5 (60–90 minutes): Set goals, solve problems, and receive final recommendations.
Each FOCUS On Us topic is addressed in each session, but the sessions can be tailored to meet the needs of individual participants. Additional resources may be provided based on participant needs and concerns.
