Digital Cognitive Behavioral- and Mindfulness-Based Stress-Management Interventions for Survivors of Breast Cancer:...

Area of Science:

• Psychosocial Oncology
• eHealth
• Digital Interventions

Background:

• In-person stress-management interventions are often inaccessible for cancer survivors.
• Digital interventions offer potential for wider psychosocial support outreach.
• Few digital interventions exist specifically for breast cancer survivors, and fewer explore diverse therapeutic frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop two distinct digital psychosocial stress-management interventions for breast cancer survivors.
• To create a cognitive behavioral therapy-based intervention (CBI).
• To create a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI).

Main Methods:

• Interventions were developed from the existing StressProffen program.
• A multidisciplinary design approach involved experts and cancer survivors.
• Iterative user-centered design and testing refined content and usability.

Main Results:

• CBI and MBI versions were created by adapting and developing content from the original program.
• New content and exercises were user-tested with breast cancer survivors.
• Adjustments included auditory options, clearer explanations, and customizable exercise lengths.

Conclusions:

• Theory-specific digital interventions (CBI, MBI) can be developed through stakeholder collaboration.
• Involving scientists, healthcare providers, and survivors is crucial for development.
• Offering varied digital stress-management approaches may enhance engagement and impact for cancer survivors.