Evaluating a new therapy for body image issues in head and neck cancer survivors
Official title: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate a Novel Treatment Strategy for Body Image-Related Distress Among Head and Neck Cancer Survivors
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-10986082 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a friendly online program called BRIGHT that helps head and neck cancer survivors feel better about their appearance and self-image after treatment, making it easier for them to cope with any distress they may have.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $631,830 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA269385-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986082 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are head and neck cancer survivors experiencing body image-related distress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have head and neck cancer or those who do not experience body image-related distress may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a tele-cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention designed to help head and neck cancer survivors cope with body image-related distress. The program, called BRIGHT, consists of five sessions that aim to improve the psychological well-being of participants by addressing their concerns about appearance and self-image after cancer treatment. The study will assess the effectiveness of this intervention and explore how it can be integrated into standard clinical practice. Participants will receive support through virtual sessions, making it accessible regardless of their location.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mental health and quality of life for head and neck cancer survivors struggling with body image issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar tele-CBT interventions, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Graboyes, Evan Michael — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Graboyes, Evan Michael
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Tele-CBT program to reduce body image distress after head and neck cancer
This project offers a five-session remote cognitive behavioral therapy (BRIGHT) to help head and neck cancer survivors who are struggling with appearance, speech, or swallowing changes.
-
New ways to help survivors of childhood cancer move from pediatric to adult care
A pilot randomized trial across three health systems tests a new approach to help childhood and adolescent cancer survivors smoothly transition to adult survivorship care.
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Web-based pain coping skills training to help breast cancer survivors on aromatase inhibitors feel better and stay adherent
A patient-friendly, online program uses coping skills to relieve AI-related joint pain and improve taking AI medication.
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Radiation-related scarring and related effects in head and neck cancer survivors
A study looking at how fibrosis from radiation affects neck movement, swallowing, and daily life in people who have survived head and neck cancer.
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FoRtitude: an online program to ease fear of cancer recurrence for breast cancer survivors
A woman who has finished breast cancer treatment uses an online program to learn easy CBT-based steps to feel less worried about cancer coming back.
-
Brief Behavioral Activation to help older cancer survivors feel better
A study will test a short behavioral therapy to help adults aged 65 and older who have survived cancer manage depression and stay engaged with care.
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.