Cancer’s Mental Toll on Young Patients: SCHD26 Oral Abstract Presenter Dr. Nihanthy Sreenath

Adolescent and young adult cancer patients often face significant emotional distress during treatment, yet psychosocial support remains underused in many settings. At the 2026 Summit on Cancer Health Disparities, Dr. Nihanthy Sreenath presented research from India showing that structured psychosocial intervention can meaningfully reduce distress in AYA patients and strengthen the case for more equitable, patient-centered cancer care.

Dr. Nihanthy Sreenath Highlights Mental Health Needs in AYA Cancer Care

The Summit on Cancer Health Disparities (SCHD26) brought together early- and advanced-career investigators alike, creating a highly collaborative research environment geared towards cancer health equity. In one memorable session, first authors of top submitted abstracts—early-career investigators and fellows—took to the podium to address the SCHD26 crowd.

Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre & Research Institute’s Dr. Nihanthy Sreenath turned the focus on adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients, presenting “Impact of Structured Psychosocial Intervention on Distress in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial from India.” The abstract was co-authored by Dr. Mahadev Potharaju.

Study Finds High Distress Among Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients

Dr. Sreenath’s study built off her preceding study, which found that 55% of AYA patients reported moderate to severe distress during treatment, with higher distress among females, those with lower education, advanced disease, and poor self-reported health. Dr. Sreenath and Dr. Potharaju, then, implemented an intervention seeking to reduce AYA distress. The randomized trial found that the “psychosocial intervention” successfully reduced distress in concrete enough terms that the authors called for tailored psychosocial services in AYA oncology.

Why Psychosocial Support Matters for Cancer Health Equity

For Dr. Sreenath, research is the conduit for real-world impact—and, in turn, SCHD26 and similar events can act as the bridge between the research bench and a patient’s bedside.

“The experience of presenting my oral abstract was excellent, engaging and intellectually rewarding,” Dr. Sreenath said. “Health disparities research, to me, is essential for advancing equitable cancer care, and SCHD provides a vital platform to drive this conversation forward.”

Frequently Asked Questions About AYA Cancer Distress and Psychosocial Support

What does AYA mean in cancer care?

AYA stands for adolescent and young adult, generally referring to younger patients whose medical and psychosocial needs may differ from those of children or older adults.

Why is psychosocial support important for young cancer patients?

Psychosocial support can help reduce distress, improve coping, and address emotional, social, and mental health challenges during cancer treatment.

What did Dr. Nihanthy Sreenath present at SCHD26?

Dr. Sreenath presented findings from a randomized controlled trial in India showing that structured psychosocial intervention reduced distress in adolescent and young adult cancer patients.

Why does this research matter for cancer health equity?

It highlights the need to make mental health and supportive care more accessible for young patients, especially in settings where psychosocial oncology resources may be limited.