The Group-basEd Telehealth behavioral WEight Loss Program Among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Pilot and Feasibility...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Obesity is a significant factor in breast cancer recurrence.
• Current behavioral weight loss (BWL) programs for cancer survivors are typically in-person or telephone-based.
• Telehealth group support offers a convenient alternative for survivors, but its feasibility and efficacy require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a 6-month telehealth group BWL program for breast cancer survivors.
• To evaluate the program's impact on weight loss, mood, quality of life, and physical activity.

Main Methods:

• A single-arm, 6-month BWL program using 22 video group sessions was conducted.
• Participants were female breast cancer survivors with BMI > 25 kg/m² and at least 6 months post-adjuvant therapy.
• Outcomes included acceptability ratings, weight, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Quality of Life (QOL) scale, and physical activity levels.

Main Results:

• High retention (90%) and session attendance (81.3%) were observed, with high acceptability ratings.
• The program resulted in a mean weight loss of 5.9%, with 60% achieving ≥ 5% weight loss.
• Significant improvements were noted in mood (PHQ-9, p=0.01) and physical wellbeing QOL (p=0.01).

Conclusions:

• The telehealth group BWL program is feasible and acceptable for breast cancer survivors.
• The intervention achieved clinically significant weight loss and improved psychological and quality of life outcomes.
• Further research with larger, diverse samples is recommended to validate these findings.