Teens and young adults who are cancer survivors appear to have more social networks and support than those who have not had cancer, according to a study in the journal Cancer. Overall, the cancer survivors were found to have more emotional and other types of support and to get more advice on health topics such as physical activity and weight.

Researcher I-Chan Huang said earlier studies have shown childhood cancer survivors were more likely to have physical and psychological distress than their peers. This research could help identify ways to help strengthen cancer survivors’ social networks, he said.