UCA researchers lead the work package on healthy lifestyles in the European project European Youth Cancer Network 31 October 2025
The University of Cádiz participates as a key partner in the project, funded by the EU4Health program of the European Commission, which aims to improve the quality of life of young people living with and beyond cancer
The University of Cádiz participates as a key partner in the European project European Youth Cancer Network (YARN), an initiative co-funded by the European Union through the EU4Health program that seeks to improve the quality of life of young people living with and beyond cancer.
From the UCA, professor David Jiménez Pavón and his research group MOVE-IT (CTS-1038) lead Work Package WP6 – Healthy Lifestyles, focused on promoting healthy lifestyles among young people with cancer experience in different European countries. The team from Cádiz is responsible for developing and piloting evidence-based protocols to assess the quality of life, physical condition, and health habits of this population, as well as co-creating practical exercise and healthy lifestyle recommendations. In addition, they coordinate translation, training, communication, and dissemination actions in Spain, and support the development of multilingual materials and public health policy engagement strategies.
The contribution of the University of Cádiz to this project is supported by the multidisciplinary experience of the MOVE-IT group in research on physical activity, health promotion, and well-being in people with chronic diseases, strengthening its role as a national and international benchmark in this field.
About the YARN project
The YARN project brings together 19 beneficiaries and 39 associated entities from 28 European countries under the coordination of Youth Cancer Europe, forming the largest continental collaborative network dedicated to youth cancer. Likewise, this initiative expands the European network of young people affected by cancer, focusing on peer support, social networking, and the development of digital tools that improve access to reliable information, especially for those facing relapses, metastatic cancer, or side effects of treatment.
Through focus groups, peer visits, training programs, seminars, and workshops, the project implements psychosocial care standards, provides educational and professional support, and develops evidence-based resources for long-term follow-up and care transition.
Moreover, YARN promotes the principles of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in healthcare institutions and patient communities, introduces exercise and wellness programs, and will train 100 young health advocates through its Advocacy, Cancer & Empowerment Academy (ACE Academy). The project maintains and expands its multilingual digital platform to ensure maximum visibility and synergy with other European initiatives.
This participation consolidates the presence of the University of Cádiz in the field of European research on health and lifestyles and reinforces its commitment to knowledge transfer and international scientific cooperation.
More information: This project has received funding from the European Union’s EU4Health program under grant agreement No. 101219053.