Associated with UCSF since 2026 |
maagesen@health.sdu.dk /
maria.aagesen@regionh.dk
Educational background: Physiotherapist, MSc in Physiotherapy (cand.scient.fys), and PhD in Health Sciences.
Research methods: Experience with both qualitative and quantitative methods, including mixed methods, co-creation, and intervention research. Has worked extensively with feasibility studies, process evaluations, pilot RCTs, and scoping reviews, and has solid experience with focus group interviews, individual interviews, and questionnaire-based data collection.
Research focus: Focuses on cancer rehabilitation for young adults and everyday life during and after illness, self-efficacy, and quality of life through the development and evaluation of complex, age-specific rehabilitation interventions and digital solutions such as the UngeKræfter app, based on user involvement and co-creation.
Projects: The projects I am involved in share a common aim of improving everyday life and quality of life among young adults with cancer. These include projects on municipal age-specific cancer rehabilitation, cross-sector needs assessment, digital interventions, development of questionnaires on sexuality, analyses of healthcare utilisation among young adults, and early cancer detection in this age group.
Collaborators/networks: Close collaboration with municipalities, hospitals, and the patient organisation Ung Kræft (Danish Cancer Society), as well as national and international research environments within rehabilitation and oncology. Member of the steering group of NAYAcareDK, a national network for research in and with young adults with cancer.
Selected publications
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Aagesen M, Pilegaard MS, Jørgesen DS, Hauken MA, la Cour K. Exploring the acceptability of an age-specific multidimensional rehabilitation program for young adult cancer survivors: a qualitative feasibility study. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2026 Jan 23:21565333261416758. Epub ahead of print. PMID:
41572882.
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Aagesen M, Pappot H, Piil K, Frøding LP, Steen-Olsen EB, Greimel E, Bentsen L. Exploration of the relevance and comprehensibility of the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Sexual Health Questionnaire among Danish young adults aged 18-39: a national cross-sectional study. J Patient Rep Outcomes 2025;10(1):3. doi: 10.1186/s41687-025-00988-w. PMID:
41474473.
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Aagesen M,
Wæhrens EE, Bidstrup P, Ammitzbøll G, Tønnesen H, Kjeldsted E, Dalton SO, La Cour K. Principles to promote social equality across the cancer trajectory: a group concept mapping study. Acta Oncol 2025;64:1590-1599. doi: 10.2340/1651-226X.2025.44738. PMID:
41261822.
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Aagesen M, Pilegaard MS, Ipsen KH, Jørgesen DS, Hauken MA, la Cour K. Program delivery and change in patient-reported outcomes of an age-specific rehabilitation program for young adult cancer survivors: a feasibility study. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2025:64:1590-1599. doi: 10.2340/1651-226X.2025.44738. PMID:
40903076.
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Aagesen M, Pilegaard MS, Janssens A, Hauken MA, Cour Kl. Development of a rehabilitation programme for young adult cancer survivors using co-production. Res Involv Engagem 2024;10(1):134. doi: 10.1186/s40900-024-00667-y. PMID:
39707498.
- Bentsen L,
Aagesen M, Hjerming M, Jørgensen N, Pappot H. Navigating an uncertain future: a qualitative study exploring thoughts about fertility and oncofertility counseling among young men with cancer. Support Care Cancer 2024;33(1):28. doi: 10.1007/s00520-024-09066-1. PMID:
39672967.
- Bentsen L, Aagesen M, Bidstrup P, Hjerming M, Pappot H. Sexuality, intimacy, and body image among adolescents and young adults with cancer: a qualitative, explorative study. Support Care Cancer 2024;32(4):219. doi: 10.1007/s00520-024-08405-6P. PMID:
38460054.
- Aagesen M, la Cour K, Hauken MA, Pilegaard MS. The 'Young Adult Taking Action' programme for young adult cancer survivors: a study protocol for a feasibility study. Scand J Occup Ther 2023:30(8):1472-1488. doi: 10.1080/11038128.2023.2244563. PMID: 37557906.
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Aagesen M, la Cour K, Møller JK, Stapelfeldt CM, Hauken MA, Pilegaard MS. Rehabilitation interventions for young adult cancer survivors: a scoping review. Clin Rehabil 2023;37(10):1347-1374. doi: 10.1177/02692155231168720. PMID: 37083478.
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Aagesen M, Pilegaard MS, Hauken MA, Waehrens EEE, la Cour K. Users' perspective on rehabilitation interventions for young adult cancer survivors: a group concept mapping study. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2022;31(6):e13734. doi: 10.1111/ecc.13734. PMID: 36218020.