Helping breast cancer survivors cope with fear of cancer recurrence
Official title: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Fear of Recurrence in Breast Cancer Survivors
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10872132 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help breast cancer survivors who are really worried about their cancer coming back, so they can feel better and live more fully.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $617,829 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA255480-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10872132 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer survivors who are experiencing clinically significant fear of cancer recurrence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are currently undergoing active cancer treatment or those without a history of breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on breast cancer survivors who experience significant fear of cancer recurrence, which can negatively impact their quality of life. The study employs Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a therapeutic approach aimed at enhancing psychological flexibility, allowing patients to manage their fears more effectively. Participants will engage in therapy sessions designed to help them accept their thoughts and feelings while committing to actions aligned with their personal values. The goal is to improve coping strategies and overall well-being for those affected by this fear.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide breast cancer survivors with effective tools to manage their fear of recurrence, leading to improved mental health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can be effective for various anxiety-related conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach in addressing fear of cancer recurrence.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johns, Shelley a. — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Johns, Shelley a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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FoRtitude: An eHealth program to help breast cancer survivors manage fear of recurrence
This program offers breast cancer survivors an online tool to help them cope with the worry that their cancer might come back.
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Impact of fear of cancer recurrence on health behaviors in breast cancer survivors and their partners
This study looks at how the fear of cancer coming back impacts the health habits of breast cancer survivors and their partners, focusing on things like taking medications, staying active, and getting good sleep, to help understand how these feelings and behaviors affect each other over time.
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Helping breast cancer survivors manage their fear of cancer returning
This study is testing a helpful online program called FoRtitude, designed to support breast cancer survivors in managing their fear of the cancer coming back, using friendly tools and strategies over four weeks.
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Cancer Pain Management for Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors with Depressive Symptoms
A technology-based program helps Asian American breast cancer survivors with depressive symptoms manage chronic pain more effectively from home using a web app and mobile tools.
-
Acupuncture for psychic and neural symptoms in breast cancer survivors
A study tests whether acupuncture helps improve joint pain, fatigue, and sleep problems in breast cancer survivors who are on endocrine therapy.
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.