About this episode

Aileen O'Dwyer discusses the psychosocial needs of adolescent and young adult cancer patients based on her personal and research experiences.

Gold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer. To begin our 2026 season of Gold Ribbon conversations we are joined by Aileen O’Dwyer, a parent of a survivor and a researcher into childhood and adolescent cancer in Ulster University.  In 2022, Aileen's daughter Phoebe was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma at 15. At the time, Aileen was studying psychology and her study became influenced by seeing the absence of supports for families and patients - which today is at the heart of her phd research - an all island study that explores the psychosocial impact of an adolescent young adult cancer diagnosis with the goal to understand and influence the social supports this age group receives. We talk about Phoebe’s symptoms, diagnosis and thankfully recovery. The impact on their family and how at times it has been challenging to balance the immersion into her research and their real life.  But it’s by partnering with Phoebe throughout her treatment, recovery and life after cancer that keeps Aileen’s motivation and determination going to -  realise the services that were needed for her daughter and for every family fighting…

People in this episode

Guest: Aileen O'Dwyer

Topics covered

• psychosocial support
• adolescent cancer
• family impact
• research
• survivorship
• mental health

Keywords

• psychosocial support
• adolescent cancer
• family support
• cancer recovery
• research
• non-hodgkins lymphoma
• mental health

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ulster University, Childhood Cancer Foundation Ireland, Childhood Cancer Ireland

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• Brain Tumour Awareness - Rio's Story with Melanie O'Sullivan · May 4, 2026 · 1h 5m
• Gone Too Soon: Baby Willow with Mammy Elaine O'Brien · April 20, 2026 · 1h 6m
• Sarcoma Amputation Gave Me My Life Back - Harry Greaney · April 6, 2026 · 38 min
• Wilm's Tumour Awareness - Kevin Price · March 23, 2026 · 41 min

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