Young cancer survivors face numerous challenges even after their diagnosis. These challenges extend beyond medical issues and significantly impact their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Survivors often experience long-term health problems related to their cancer treatment, including increased risks of secondary cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and other non-communicable diseases.
Furthermore, there is a noticeable gap in support systems and resources tailored specifically to young cancer survivors. Many existing programmes do not adequately address the unique needs of this vulnerable target group, such as the importance of reintegrating into normal life, continuing education, and establishing healthy habits that can prevent future health issues.
OACCUs aims to fill this gap by providing comprehensive support that integrates physical activity, healthy nutrition, mental well-being, and sustainable living practices. The project focuses on creating a robust support network that empowers young survivors to lead healthy, fulfilling lives and to thrive despite their past medical challenges. Through this holistic approach, OACCUs seeks to reduce health inequalities and improve the overall quality of life for young cancer survivors across Europe and beyond.
OACCUs is driven by several core objectives:
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- Building a Supportive Network: Establishing a strong and sustainable EU-wide network that connects young cancer survivors, their families & friends, and health professionals. This network facilitates mutual support, shared experiences, and access to vital resources.
- Empowering Ambassadors: Training young cancer survivors, their families & friends, and healthcare professionals as ambassadors and coaches. These individuals play key roles in advocating for healthy lifestyles and providing support within their communities.
- Creating Practical Resources: Developing the OACCUs toolbox, a comprehensive platform offering podcasts, videos, articles, and a personalised app. These resources are tailored to meet the unique needs of young cancer survivors, providing practical guidance on physical health, mental well-being, and sustainable living.
- Promoting Healthy Living: Encouraging the adoption of physical activity, balanced nutrition, mental well-being and sustainable practices as integral components of survivorship. By emphasising these four pillars, OACCUs aims to enhance overall well-being and resilience among participants.
Duration
24 months (17 Jun 2022 – 17 Jun 2024)
Programme
EU4Health (EU4H)
EU4H-2021-PJ-04
Participating Countries
Germany, Portugal, Spain, Sweden
Overall budget EUR 1 593 594
EU contribution under EU4Health programme EUR 1 274 875
We are responsible for development and dissemination of the OACCUs toolbox, a resource that provides evidence-based information, guidelines, best practice examples, inspiration and networking opportunities under the OACCUs motto: ‘CHOOSE the HEALTHy way!’. The OACCUs Network Toolbox is designed to support and to empower young cancer survivors in their striving for a healthy and fulfilled life.
Further noteworthy contributions by OAC:
Provision of the OAC-Training as the basis of the OACCUs project ambassador training.
