Coping After Breast Cancer: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial of Stress Management eHealth Interventions

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Psychology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Breast cancer survivors often experience significant psychological and physical distress, impacting quality of life.
• eHealth interventions offer accessible and convenient solutions for psychosocial stress management.
• Two modified versions of the StressProffen eHealth program were developed: StressProffen-cognitive behavioral therapy intervention (StressProffen-CBI) and StressProffen-mindfulness-based intervention (StressProffen-MBI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of StressProffen-CBI and StressProffen-MBI compared to a control group (treatment as usual) in breast cancer survivors.
• To assess the impact of these eHealth interventions on perceived stress, quality of life, anxiety, depression, and other outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving women diagnosed with breast cancer (stages I-III or DCIS).
• Participants are randomized to StressProffen-CBI, StressProffen-MBI, or a control group (treatment as usual).
• Interventions consist of 10 modules delivered via text, sound, video, and images; primary outcome is perceived stress at 6 months.

Main Results:

• Recruitment for the Coping After Breast Cancer (CABC) trial is nearing completion, with 428 out of 430 planned participants enrolled as of April 14, 2023.
• The trial aims to recruit 100 participants per group.

Conclusions:

• The CABC trial is a significant psychosocial eHealth randomized controlled trial for breast cancer patients.
• Effective StressProffen interventions could provide beneficial, cost-effective, and easily implementable tools for survivors managing long-term cancer effects.