Stress-reduction workshops for women with history of breast cancer

Nov 4 2009

WHAT: Are you stressed? Do you have a family history of breast cancer? Health SMART is a study is being conducted by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to see how stress-reduction workshops can help women with a family history of breast cancer manage their everyday stresses and cancer-risk concerns.

The goal of the study, funded by the National Cancer Institute, is to see whether various stress-management and coping techniques reduce stress and improve immune function. Specifically, the study will teach women scientifically proven stress-management techniques (such as mindfulness meditation and guided imagery), coping strategies (such as anger management and assertiveness training) and provide information on health behaviors. All workshops are conducted in a supportive group setting with other women who have a family history of breast cancer.

Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires, give blood and saliva samples, and receive two hepatitis-A vaccinations. Some risks involved in participating in the study include the possibility of discomfort and a bruise at the blood draw site, the possibility of distress from discussing one's breast cancer risk in a group setting, brief pain at the hepatitis-A vaccination injection site and, in rare cases, an allergic reaction to the vaccine. There is no charge to participate. All participants will receive a set of CDs with relaxation exercises, a tote bag and a workbook filled with stress- management techniques taught in the classes.

WHO: The study aims to recruit 96 Seattle-area women, age 18 to 60, who are willing to participate in 10 two-hour workshops.

WHERE: All study activities will take place on the Hutchinson Center campus in the Prevention Center, which is located in the Robert M. Arnold Building, 1212 Aloha St., Seattle.

SOURCE Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center