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Young adult cancer survivors are being overlooked- new Irish research aims to change that
Leah Walsh, a first-year PhD researcher at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and recipient of a Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme , has launched a study to develop tailored nutrition support for young adult cancer survivors aged 18-39, a group widely recognised as underserved in cancer survivorship research.
Her research seeks to address a significant gap in nutritional care. Many survivors face physical, psychological and financial challenges that affect their nutritional health and long-term wellbeing. Working closely with a patient advisory group using a Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) approach, the study aims to create a nutrition intervention that is both practical and evidence based.
Leah said her experience as a secondary school teacher gave her a unique perspective on this transformative stage of life.
“Young adults are navigating education, careers, relationships, and independence. A cancer diagnosis at this point can disrupt every aspect of their lives. I knew I had to pursue research that gives this underserved population a voice,” she said.
Young adult cancer survivors face a range of challenges, including nutrition-impact symptoms such as taste changes, nausea, or pain while eating. Despite improving survival rates, this age group often falls between paediatric and older adult care pathways. At present, existing nutritional guidelines are neither age-specific nor adapted to the unique physiological requirements of cancer survivors. Consequently, there is a significant lack of targeted dietary guidance available for this demographic. Leah’s research aims to fill this gap with evidence-based, patient-centred nutritional support.
“This research is about listening,” she added.
By working directly with young adult cancer survivors, we hope to create an intervention that is realistic, meaningful, and improves both nutrition and quality of life.
The project is supervised by Dr Laura Keaver, Senior Lecturer in Human Nutrition and Dietetics at ATU, and Dr Gemma Pugh, Head of Patient-Reported Outcomes Research at Anthony Nolan.
“Leah’s research addresses a critical gap in cancer survivorship care,” said Dr Keaver. “By working directly with young adult cancer survivors, this study will develop practical, evidence-based guidance to support their health and wellbeing during a pivotal stage of life.”
Leah’s journey into research began during her undergraduate Human Nutrition degree at ATU, where she contributed to oncology research papers while working as a research assistant. She later pursued a Professional Master’s in Education and worked as a secondary school science teacher, deepening her understanding of the vulnerabilities young people face.ee at ATU, where she contributed to oncology research papers while working as a research assistant. She later pursued a Professional Master’s in Education and worked as a secondary school science teacher, deepening her understanding of the vulnerabilities young people face.
Photo caption: Leah Walsh, a first-year PhD researcher at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and recipient of a Research Ireland scholarship.
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