Helping breast cancer survivors cope with fear of cancer recurrence

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Fear of Recurrence in Breast Cancer Survivors

NIH-funded research Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10872132

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIndiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Indianapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10872132 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer survivors who are experiencing clinically significant fear of cancer recurrence.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently undergoing active cancer treatment or those without a history of breast cancer may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Indianapolis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Breast Cancer survivorCancer SurvivorCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.