Mindful After Cancer (MAC) Study
Fostering positive body image, sexual health, and well-being
Now Enrolling Participants
The pilot trial will recruit participants receiving cancer care from three sites (estimated through 2026).
- Samaritan Health Services, Samaritan Cancer Program (Oregon)
- Fox Chase Cancer Center (Pennsylvania)
- Penn Medicine (Pennsylvania)
Who is eligible?
- Adults diagnosed with breast or gynecologic cancer (stage 1-4) at least 6 months ago.
- Participants are not required to be in a relationship.
What happens?
Participants are randomly assigned to participate in one of two groups:
Group 1
An 8-week training and educational program on Zoom
- Each week, participants will join an online meeting with a mindfulness coach and a small group of fellow cancer survivors.
- Participants will complete at-home activities, 3 surveys, and 1 interview.
Group 2
Educational materials 6 months after enrollment
- Participants will continue with their usual health care.
- Participants will complete 3 surveys over 6 months.
Other things to know
- There are no clinic visits.
- All participants receive gift cards for completing surveys.
- Participation in this study will be kept confidential.
To find out more
Email us at [email protected] or share your contact information and we will reach out to you.
Why we do this research
Sexual concerns are among the most common, distressing, and persistent aspects of life after cancer, affecting at least half of breast and gynecological cancer survivors. These concerns include vaginal pain, loss of sensation, poor body image, disrupted intimate relationships, and loss of sexual interest.
Unfortunately, supportive resources are limited. Research shows that mindfulness training can be beneficial and can address a range of sexual concerns. In the early phases of this project, we worked together with cancer survivors and health care providers to modify an existing mindfulness-based program to better meet the needs of breast and gynecologic cancer survivors. We tested this program in-person and remotely, over Zoom. Our preliminary research supported the acceptability of the remotely delivered mindfulness-based intervention, Mindful After Cancer (MAC), specifically adapted for breast and gynecological cancer survivors.
A more rigorous evaluation of MAC’s effect on health outcomes is needed to support broader availability. In the current phase of research, we are conducting a pilot trial. We will translate what we learn from the pilot trial to a plan for a rigorous, multisite trial to evaluate effectiveness in real world conditions. Our long-term goal is to improve access to comprehensive sexual health care and support for cancer survivors in need.
Funding
This study is sponsored by the NIH/National Cancer Institute. Preliminary research was conducted with support from the OHSU Knight Community Partnership Program.
Selected Publications
- Feasibility of Mindful After Cancer: Pilot Study of a Virtual Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Sexual Health in Cancer Survivorship
- Adaptation and feasibility of a multimodal mindfulness-based intervention to promote sexual health in cancer survivorship
Research Team
Principal Investigator
- Jessica Gorman, PhD, MPH, Oregon State University
Co-Investigators and Consultants
- Jennifer B. Reese, PhD, Fox Chase Cancer Center
- Katharine Rendle, PhD, University of Pennsylvania
- Holly Almond, NP, Samaritan Health Services
- Mary Daly, MD, Fox Chase Cancer Center
- Sarah Emerson, PhD, Oregon State University
- Kimberly Carson, MPH, C-IAYT, E-RYT, Mindful Yoga Works
Health care providers and community partners advocating for and supporting cancer survivors across the United States