iCARE Study – Parent or Grandparent Recently Diagnosed with Cancer
STUDY BASICS
Have you recently been diagnosed with cancer? Are you the parent or grandparent of a child ages 10-17? If so, you and your child/grandchild may be able to participate in a research study to learn more about how stress from a parent or grandparent's cancer diagnosis affects children. Compensation provided.
STUDY PURPOSE
Experiencing stress during childhood can lead to physical and mental changes in children. In some cases, childhood stress can contribute to the development of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other problems. The purpose of this study is to better understand how stress from a parent or grandparent's cancer diagnosis affects a child’s biological, emotional, and behavioral well-being. Researchers hope their findings will lead to better ways to prevent and treat problems brought on by childhood stress.
COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?
- Recently diagnosed with cancer
- Parent or grandparent of a child ages 10-17
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT
Participation involves an initial visit, and two follow up visits at 6 and 18 months. Both parents/grandparents and children will take part in an interview, complete questionnaires, provide hair and blood samples, have blood pressure and heart rate assessed, and have physical measurements. The child will also provide saliva samples.
IRB: STUDY19110085C
- Biomarkers in the HPA axis and inflammatory pathways for maladaptive stress response in childrenMEET THE RESEARCHER

Nadine Melhem
Nadine M. Melhem, PhD, MPH, is associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Trained in psychiatric genetic epidemiology, Dr. Melhem has a long history of working in research and a special interest in studying the impacts of stress and trauma on children and families.