Writing Interventions for Breast Cancer
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
Aromatase inhibitors are a powerful medication for reducing the risk of recurrence and increasing survival in postmenopausal breast cancer patients. However, these medications can lead to intolerable side effects, poor medication adherence, and increased stress levels. This project's broad objective is to assess whether an intervention can improve medication adherence and reduce physical symptoms and stress in breast cancer patients prescribed aromatase inhibitors. Participants will be randomly assigned to a values affirmation or reflective journaling condition. Interventions will be writing-based, one essay per month for six months. Physical symptoms and perceived stress will be assessed at baseline, post-intervention (one month after the intervention), and follow-up (six months from the post-intervention assessment and seven months after the end of the intervention). Furthermore, an electronic pill bottle will continuously assess daily compliance so that medication adherence rates during the intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up can be calculated.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it seems that participants are expected to continue taking their prescribed aromatase inhibitors during the study.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Reflective Journaling, Reflective Writing, Journaling Therapy, Value Affirmation for breast cancer?
Research shows that expressive writing, a similar treatment, helped cancer patients change their thoughts about their illness, which was linked to a better quality of life. Additionally, a study on breast cancer survivors found that reflective writing allowed them to explore their feelings and concerns, suggesting potential emotional benefits.12345
Is reflective writing safe for breast cancer patients?
How does the writing intervention treatment for breast cancer differ from other treatments?
The writing intervention for breast cancer is unique because it involves expressive writing, where patients write about their cancer experiences to manage stress and improve quality of life. Unlike traditional medical treatments, this approach focuses on emotional and psychological well-being, offering a non-drug, reflective method to help patients process their feelings and potentially enhance their mental health.12459
Research Team
J. David Creswell, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Carnegie Mellon University
Janine Dutcher, Ph.D
Principal Investigator
Carnegie Mellon University
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for postmenopausal breast cancer patients who plan to take aromatase inhibitors, can read and write in English, have a smartphone for app use, and are either currently prescribed or will be prescribed the medication within four weeks. It's not for those with claustrophobia, metal implants, electronic medical devices, current pregnancy, weight over 300 pounds or a metal-containing IUD (specifically for fMRI part of the study).Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants complete monthly writing tasks for six months, either value affirmation or reflective journaling
Post-Intervention Assessment
Assessment of physical symptoms and perceived stress one month after intervention
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in stress and physical symptoms six months after post-intervention assessment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Reflective Journaling (Behavioral Intervention)
- Value Affirmation (Behavioral Intervention)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Carnegie Mellon University
Lead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator