A Lifestyle Intervention via Email in Minority Breast Cancer Survivors: Randomized Parallel-Group Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Digital Health

Background:

• Minority breast cancer survivors show receptiveness to web-based lifestyle interventions.
• Limited web-based studies exist for this population.
• The "A Lifestyle Intervention Via Email (ALIVE)" program was developed to address this gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of the ALIVE program.
• To evaluate preliminary results of an email-delivered diet and activity intervention.
• To examine outcomes in racial and ethnic minority breast cancer survivors.

Main Methods:

• Recruitment and randomization of 71 racial and ethnic minority breast cancer survivors.
• Intervention groups: 3-month physical activity track or 3-month dietary track.
• Utilized an automated system with self-monitoring, goal setting, tailored content, and automated calls.

Main Results:

• Physical activity track participants showed greater improvements in moderate-to-vigorous activity and reductions in sedentary time.
• Dietary track participants improved fiber, fruit, and vegetable intake, and reduced saturated and trans fats.
• High satisfaction rates (82%) and recommendation likelihood (97%) reported, though concerns about interactive email functionality were noted.

Conclusions:

• The ALIVE program is feasible and shows promise for minority cancer survivors.
• The program demonstrated positive preliminary results for lifestyle changes.
• Enhancements like a mobile app and improved email interactivity could increase adherence and satisfaction.