Developing a mindfulness program for couples dealing with colorectal cancer
Official title: Addressing Colorectal Cancer-Related Distress: Developing and Evaluating a Couple-Based Mindfulness Intervention
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10919244 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a friendly online program called 'MIND-Together' to help couples dealing with metastatic colorectal cancer feel better emotionally and strengthen their relationship through mindfulness techniques.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 12, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $169,422 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA267313-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10919244 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are couples where one partner has been diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in a relationship or whose partners are not involved in their care may not benefit from this intervention.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating and testing a mindfulness-based intervention specifically for couples affected by metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). It aims to address the significant emotional distress experienced by both patients and their partners through a structured four-session program delivered via video-conference. The intervention, called 'MIND-Together', will be tailored to meet the unique needs of these couples, promoting mindful coping strategies to enhance their emotional well-being and relationship dynamics. The study will begin by gathering insights from couples and clinicians to ensure the program is relevant and effective.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce emotional distress for both colorectal cancer patients and their partners, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that mindfulness-based interventions can effectively reduce distress in cancer patients and their partners, suggesting a promising approach for this specific population.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zimmaro, Lauren a. — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Zimmaro, Lauren a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Couple-Based Mindfulness for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Distress
A mindfulness program designed for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and their partners to help them cope with distress and strengthen their relationship.
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Improving colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care.
This study is working to help more people get screened for colorectal cancer and receive the follow-up care they need, especially those who haven't been screened much before, so that everyone can have better access to important health checks and improve their overall health.
-
Mindfulness and Self-Hypnosis for Pain in Older Adults
This grant tests non-drug ways like mindfulness and self-hypnosis to help people over 60 manage chronic pain.
-
Colorectal cancer prognosis through a broad, collaborative study
A large, multi-center study follows people newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer to find biomarkers and patterns that predict outcomes and guide future care.
-
Mindfulness-based Support for Pain and Sleep in Young People with Sickle Cell Disease
A digital mindfulness program is being tailored for adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease to help with pain and sleep and is being tested for practicality and early effectiveness.
-
Mindfulness training to lower cardiovascular risk for moms and babies during pregnancy
A mindfulness program is being tested during pregnancy to help prevent high blood pressure and heart problems for mothers and their babies.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.