Life as a teenager can be difficult enough, but what if during this time, your mother is diagnosed with breast cancer? Researchers in Galway are calling on young people in this position to take part in a new study, which aims to better understand and help adolescents coping with a mother's illness.

According to the team from NUI Galway, while the importance of family support for a person with cancer is widely acknowledged, it is becoming increasingly obvious that other members of the family may also need support, particularly young people.

The study - AMBC (Adolescent Adjustment to Maternal Breast Cancer) - is focusing on the impact of maternal breast cancer on sons and daughters aged between 14 and 19.

It aims to examine the psychological impact that a mother's diagnosis can have on her teenage children. It also aims to assess an online skills-based programme, designed to help teenagers cope with such a situation.

According to one of the research directors, Dr AnnMarie Groarke, there is a ‘crucial need' for more information on how a cancer diagnosis affects the whole family.

"Paying attention to adolescent response to parental illness can help us to identify the kind of support needed and enable the design of programmes targeting their needs," she explained.

Meanwhile, according to the other research director, Prof Pat Dolan, while many families are affected by breast cancer, ‘their support needs are unspoken'.

"This study is an opportunity for young people to discuss concerns and needs for reassurance for their families and themselves," he commented.

The researchers would like to hear from women who would be interested in their teenage children taking part. Ideally, the mothers would have been diagnosed with the disease in the last year and their teenagers would be aged 14-19.

Participants will be expected to complete an online survey and complete an online programme of eight sessions. This will cover issues such as stress management, social support and communication. Teens can participate in the online programme during their own time and at their own pace.

Anyone interested in participating can contact researcher, Leonor Rodriguez, at NUI Galway's School of Psychology on (091) 493454 or l.rodriguez2@nuigalway.ie