How a mental health strategy helps young adults navigate cancer diagnosis

A cancer diagnosis can upend any life. For young adults already navigating a step into independence, it can be especially distressing, but there are few evidence-based interventions to help this age group problem-solve and reduce stress. To address the gap, Rutgers University researchers recently tested the efficacy of Bright IDEAS, a problem-solving skills training intervention based on cognitive-behavioral therapy, in reducing depression and anxiety and improving their overall health-related quality of life in people ages 18 to 39, which the National Cancer Institute defines as "young adults."