JUMP_START - Optimization of Care for Young Cancer Patients with Gastrointestinal Tumors

JUMP\_START aims to assess the needs of individuals aged ≤ 50 years with gastrointestinal (GI) tumors and implement a tailored support and counseling program at the University Hospital Heidelberg and the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT). In phase 1A, 12-15 individuals aged ≤ 50 years with GI tumors will be interviewed via telephone using semi-structured interviews to obstain a detailed understanding of the life situation, the burdens, and the care situation within the structures of the NCT Heidelberg. In phase 1B, the care networks of young patients with GI tumors beyond the NCT, including the analysis of changes and important access routes/possible gatekeepers, will be explored using so-called ego-centered network analyses, in comparison with patients who received a GI tumor diagnosis after the age of 50. In response to the results of phase 1A and 1B, the care services for young patients with GI tumors will be optimized, and tailored counseling programs will be developed in phase 2. These project phases will be accompanied by Quality of Life assessments using European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) questionnaires. All patients with GI tumors (regardless of potential inclusion in phase 1A or 1B) will receive the EORTC questionnaires once. In phase 2, Quality of Life will be assessed every 6 months.