'Just living life again': Beechview resident part of a Pitt trial connecting cancer patients with mental health supports

July 19, 2026 - 12:31

Rebecca Skolnicki considers herself lucky to have a great support system in her family, friends and neighbors. But after undergoing extensive surgery to remove a cancerous tumor, she found herself facing a kind of isolation that no amount of well-wishes could fix. That is when she joined a University of Pittsburgh trial designed to bridge the gap between cancer treatment and mental health support.

The study, which connects oncology patients with licensed therapists and peer support groups, aims to address the emotional toll that often follows a diagnosis. For Skolnicki, a Beechview resident, the program offered more than just coping strategies. It gave her a way to process the fear and uncertainty that lingered long after her physical wounds healed.

"I was just living life again," she said. The trial provides structured sessions that help patients manage anxiety, depression, and the trauma of major medical procedures. Participants also have access to group meetings where they can share experiences with others who truly understand.

Skolnicki noted that while her family was supportive, they could not fully grasp the daily reality of living with a cancer history. The trial filled that gap. She now encourages other patients to seek out similar resources, emphasizing that mental health care should be a standard part of cancer treatment, not an afterthought. The research continues to track long-term outcomes, but for Skolnicki, the impact has already been profound.