12.05.2026

The mental health challenges faced by young adults with experience of cancer and their caregivers are deeply personal and multifaceted. Adaptable, holistic intervention across  Europe is required which can ensure that their needs will be met.

 

The Melodic project is currently developing an evidence-based and multi-pronged intervention, which is designed to meet the social, physical, and environmental needs of both target groups, individuals who suffered from cancer and their families and caregivers. Both  in-person contacts and online material will be offered.

It has been discussed the increasing incidence of early-onset cancer in younger adults, the developmental milestones it disrupts, and its associated mental health difficulties, both during treatment and in survivorship care (Lyons et al.2026). What the literature also demonstrates are difficulties in treatment adherence (Jin et al., 2021). Also lack of peer support and feeling of being misunderstood by health care professionals (Neylon et al., 2023), indicating weaknesses in a solely medical model of care for improving patient outcomes (Lidington et al., 2021; Sender & Zabokrtsky, 2015).

While there is lack of reliable, evidence-based interventions for young adults with lived experience of cancer (YACs), we can make inferences from the research on what such an intervention may involve: interprofessional involvement (Jin et al., 2021), psychological support (Lidington et al., 2021), peer connection (Neylon et al., 2023), information on exercise (Murnane et al., 2015), and exposure to green spaces (Li et al., 2023).

The well-being of family and caregivers is similarly complex. Parents in particular may face mental health challenges that form a reciprocal relationship with YAC wellbeing. Parental distress associated with reports of overprotection by YACs can lead to higher internalizing problems for YACs (Neves et al., 2023). Younger caregivers also report some similar difficulties and desire for support as YACs, which include lack of peer support and a desire for informational and emotional support (Reuvers et al., 2023).

In order to ensure an understanding of the mental health needs of young adults with cancer and their families and caregivers across Europe, however, Melodic conducted its own research.

 

Exploring the needs of young adults with cancer and their families

In the second stage of the Melodic project, assessment was conducted to determine the mental health needs of YACs and their families. This was done also to understand the preferences of YACs for mental health support. Interviews were conducted with YACs and their caregiver or family members across six European countries. The target was to provide in-depth experiences regarding mental health needs and support.

Among the findings, interviews corroborated ongoing research about the need for timely, age-appropriate mental health care and person-centered, individualized support that looks beyond the diagnosis. Additional needs for practical support, strengthened social relationships, and a streamlined process for accessing psychological support were also found.

Regarding family members, previous research was also corroborated with burnout and a lack of individualized support and recognition by healthcare professionals (HCPs) were noted. These analyses indicated that similar intervention components may be of use to both YACs and their family members and caregivers.

Intervention to promote mental health among young adults with cancer

Based on the results of the needs assessment, the next step of the Melodic is implementing the intervention with YACs and their family members with the support from HCPs to promote their mental health. The intervention is mainly inspired by social prescribing and incorporates physical activity in green and blue spaces. Additionally, psychosocial support including information support, group discussions, guidance for online exercises, and psychoeducation on mental health and well-being for YACs and family members or caregivers, is provided.

Young adults with cancer often have unmet psychosocial needs that do not require medical treatment, with social support networks playing a key role in addressing these needs (Dyson et al., 2012; Warner et al., 2016). Social prescribing enables healthcare workers to connect patients in community-based, nonclinical services promoting a holistic approach. That will address underlying health and well-being issues and reduce reliance on medical interventions (WHO, 2022).

Social prescribing is a person-centered approach that supports integrated and personalized care by improving patients’ ability to manage and take control of their health (Morse et al., 2022). Evidence shows it can enhance mental and psychosocial well-being, increasing self-esteem and confidence while reducing depression and anxiety (Moffatt et al., 2017; Thomson et al., 2017). Interventions may include arts, bibliotherapy, physical activity, and nature-based activities. The intervention in this study applies social prescribing principles by combining psychosocial support, peer support, and physical activity, with participants involved in co-designing a holistic, person-centered approach that responds to their psychosocial needs.

Green and blue spaces promote mental health

Physical activity in natural outdoor environments, such as green spaces parks and gardens and blue spaces rivers, lakes, and beaches have significant benefits for health and well-being (Marini et al., 2022; Grellier et al., 2017). Exposure to these environments can improve quality of life, support recovery, and enhance physical and psychosocial health outcomes in YACs and their caregivers (Jimenez et al., 2021). Group-based outdoor activities are particularly valued as they promote peer support, social interaction, and coping with cancer-related challenges (Dyson et al., 2012; Rosenberg et al., 2014). Activities such as walking groups, forest bathing, green exercise, and gardening can improve cardiovascular health, reduce distress, and enhance overall well-being (Marini et al., 2022; Lopez-Haro et al., 2024).

 

 

In Melodic intervention, these principles are applied by integrating guided physical activities into green and blue spaces alongside psychosocial and peer support components. The intervention is designed to promote physical activity, foster social connection, and address both physical and mental health needs of YACs and their caregivers or family members. By combining environmental exposure with structured exercise and group support, the intervention aims to improve quality of life, reduce distress, and encourage sustainable healthy behaviors (O’Donnell et al., 2025). The intervention will be conducted across the six countries of the Melodic project, with each partner timing it according to weather conditions and participants’ schedules.

 

 

References

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