Enhancing Well-Being During Breast Cancer Recurrence.
Abstract
Significant numbers of breast cancer patients will experience a recurrence of their disease. Breast cancer recurrence is a time of enormous crisis, with significant distress, depression, and symptomatology, and few effective coping strategies. Targeted support services are currently unavailable. This study tests the hypothesis that patients experience greater well-being by participating in an intervention designed for breast cancer patients experiencing a first recurrence. Following a pilot phase study, 300 breast cancer patients will be enrolled within six weeks post-recurrence. All participants are Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) institutions. The women will be randomly assigned to a control group or an intervention to be carried out by Y-ME, a national breast cancer support and advocacy organization. The intervention consists of four structured sessions providing information and peer support delivered by breast cancer survivors via telephone. Endpoints are assessed at baseline 3 and 6 months later through validated quality of life and depression questionnaires. This study provides information about improving well-being during a little-studied portion of the breast cancer trajectory. The intervention is delivered by individuals who are well-qualified to provide support: women who themselves have experienced breast cancer recurrence. The project utilizes a cost-effective approach with the potential for widescale dissemination.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA330015
Entities
People
- Charles A. Coltman