Get involved with the Mindful After Cancer Study

Mindfulness is being present. It is bringing focus to each moment, including to what is happening in your body and to the space you are in.

The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the feasibility and impact of a mindfulness training program designed to meet the needs of breast and gynecologic cancer survivors struggling with body image and sexual health concerns after cancer diagnosis and treatment. Women who have survived cancer have voiced a pressing need for support to help them manage these concerns, but there remain significant gaps in services and programs to meet this need.

If you are eligible and agree to be in this study, you will take part in an 8-week mindfulness training program. Each week, you will connect to an online group meeting (via Zoom) with a trained facilitator and other participants. You will be asked to connect from a quiet and private location, such as a closed room in your home. You can connect via a computer, smart phone or tablet. You may choose to connect with or without a video camera, but will need a screen to view materials shared by the facilitator.

Approximately 15-25 participants will participate at the same time as you. Each week, the program facilitator will lead the online group meeting by providing educational content, opportunities to practice mindfulness skills, and opportunities for discussion of mindfulness and sexual health topics.

Participants will complete an online survey before the program begins and a second survey one month after the program is over. You would receive $20 for completing each survey. The surveys will ask about sexual function, relationships, body image, mood, mindfulness, and quality of life. The second survey will also ask about your perceptions of the program’s usefulness, comfort with the program, suggestions for improvement, and views of benefits gained.

You may also be invited to complete an individual telephone interview 2-3 months after the program ends. You would receive $30 for complete the interview. The interviewer will ask you about your experiences with the program, your views of the benefits and challenges to making changes in your life, and your suggestions for making the program better.

Eligibility Requirements

1. 18 years of age or older
2. Female gender identity with a prior diagnosis of stage 1-4 breast or gynecologic cancer
3. 1 year or more past the date of your cancer diagnosis
4. Access to a computer, smart phone, or tablet with internet access that can be use in a private location
5. Able to spend 15-30 minutes daily on program activities, including audio-guided meditation.

This study is being conducted by the Oregon State University College of Public Health and Human Sciences. The Principal Investigator is Jessica R. Gorman, Ph.D.. Your participation in this study will only be used for the purposes of research, and your information will be kept confidential.

If you are interested in finding out more or have questions, please contact our study team at [email protected].

You can also let us know how to contact you by filling out this form.

This study is funded by the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute Community Partnership Program.