**Recruitment for the 6-week IMPACT Pilot study described on this page is closed. We are now recruiting for the 12-month IMPACT study. Head to www.impactunc.org to learn more information about the study and to find out if you are eligible.**
About IMPACT
IMPACT is a free (no fees to participate) program that is designed to teach young adult cancer survivors healthy ways to increase their physical activity and maintain it over time.
Brought to you by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and funded by the National Cancer Institute, IMPACT is a unique physical activity program for young adult cancer survivors. The program is designed to help young adult cancer survivors get more physical activity and adopt healthier habits to improve your health. In addition, it provides an opportunity to participate in important research to help us understand more about ways to help young adult cancer survivors increase their physical activity.
The IMPACT pilot study is a 6-week research study funded by the National Cancer Institute that will test the effectiveness of a physical activity program delivered using mobile health tools and strategies. If you are eligible and enroll, you will receive a Fitbit activity tracker, information about physical activity, a digital smart scale, text messages, and access to a study website and Facebook group.
If you enroll, you will be one of approximately 10 young adult cancer survivors participating in the pilot study.
Am I eligible?
You may be eligible if you:
Are currently between the ages of 18 and 39
Were diagnosed with cancer (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) at age 18 or older
Were diagnosed with cancer at least one year ago
Have completed cancer treatment
Do not participate in regular physical activity
Have access to the Internet (high-speed recommended)
Additional eligibility criteria apply.
Recruitment for the IMPACT Pilot study is closed, but recruitment for the larger 12-month IMPACT study is currently underway. Head to www.impactunc.org to learn more information about the study and to find out if you are eligible.
What will I do in the program?
All participants will receive a Fitbit physical activity tracker, information about becoming more physically active, a digital smart scale, and access to a Facebook group. Participants will also receive text messages and be encouraged to use a physical activity website with personalized information on becoming more physically active over the course of the 6-week study. There are no classes to attend, and you can log on any time that works for you.
All participants will also be asked to complete online questionnaires and other measurements at the start of the study, after 3 weeks, and after 6 weeks. You will be sent an accelerometer to track physical activity for 7 days, which you will need to mail back. You will also be sent a digital smart scale to measure your weight at all time points.
Most importantly, you will learn strategies that will help you promote a healthier lifestyle for today and the future.
What are the benefits of participating in IMPACT?
Research shows that regular physical activity after cancer treatment may be beneficial for cancer survivors and result in improvements in physical functioning, quality of life and fatigue. This program provides information and strategies to help you become more physically active.
You will receive a Fitbit activity tracker (valued at $100) and digital smart scale (valued at $100) to track your activity and weight.
Throughout the program you may benefit by receiving:
Professional expertise (exercise physiologists, health educators, nutritionists, psychologists) and information to help you adopt strategies for increasing your physical activity
Personalized feedback on your physical activity
Support and opportunities to share your experiences with other young adult cancer survivors
This information is provided to you free of charge as a participant in IMPACT. You may also receive up to $45 for completing all study questionnaires and measurements.
By participating in this study, you contribute to the development of programs for other young adult cancer survivors who may struggle with physical activity after cancer.
If you are interested in signing up, go to our online screener to see if you meet the initial eligibility criteria.
Congratulations on taking this first step towards a healthier future!
Contact Us
If you would like to learn more about the IMPACT study, please contact us at 919-966-5852 or email impactstudy@unc.edu