Well-Being After Breast Cancer Surgery

STUDY BASICS

Are you a breast cancer, DCIS, or LCIS survivor experiencing pain in the area of your breast surgery? You may be able to participate in a research study to compare three different informational programs to help you improve your long-term well-being after breast cancer surgery. Compensation is provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to compare three different programs to help improve long-term well-being after breast cancer-related surgery. Participation in this study will provide you with an opportunity to learn ways to help yourself better manage symptoms and improve your overall long-term well-being. We expect that the information learned from this study will benefit other patients who undergo surgical treatments like yours in the future. 

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

Eligible participants:

• Are ages 18 and older
• Are able to read and speak English
• Have a history of a diagnosis of Stage 0 to III (no distant metastases) breast cancer, DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ), or LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ)
• Had breast surgery for their most recent diagnosis at least 3 months ago

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participants will complete a baseline assessment and three follow-up assessments. Each of these assessments will include the completion of surveys. Additionally, the baseline assessment, 6-month assessment, and 12-month assessment will include testing to measure physical function as well as sensory testing to measure pain detection and pain threshold (as feasible). At the end of the baseline assessment, participants will be randomized (like drawing numbers from a hat) to one of three programs, one focused on providing coping strategies with the help of a coach, one focused on providing healthy lifestyle information and strategies with the help of a coach, and one focused on providing healthy lifestyle information and strategies through a self-guided workbook. Participants assigned to the programs with a coach will complete videoconferencing sessions once per week for eight weeks.