Grant: DRA : Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral Program (CGRS D)

Today, more than 86% of children survive cancer, creating a growing population of adolescents and young adults who need lifelong follow-up care. As they enter emerging adulthood, survivors must shift from a supportive, family-centered pediatric system to a more fragmented, independence-focused adult system. This transition often overlaps with major life changes-such as finishing school, starting work, and gaining independence-creating a "double transition" that can lead to disengagement from essential care and poorer long-term health outcomes. Yet, most research examines this developmental and systemic shift retrospectively or in isolation, making it difficult to capture how developmental needs-such as growing autonomy and identity formation-shape survivors' care decisions, their relationships with family and healthcare providers, and their ability to navigate the healthcare system. This study will conduct an 18-month longitudinal ethnographic study, following a group of adolescent cancer survivors in British Columbia as they experience the transition from pediatric to adult cancer care. Guided by participatory action research principles, the study will engage survivors, families, and healthcare providers as partners in the research process to identify the barriers and supports that shape their care transition experience. The findings will inform survivor-driven recommendations to strengthen BC's transition in care protocols, develop training for healthcare providers, and create resources for young survivors and their families-helping ensure every childhood cancer survivor not only survives their illness, but thrives into adulthood.