Helping breast cancer survivors manage their fear of cancer returning
Official title: Randomized controlled trial of FoRtitude: Targeted eHealth intervention to reduce fear of recurrence among breast cancer survivors in community oncology settings
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10980062 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $709,050 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA282682-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10980062 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer survivors experiencing moderate to severe fear of recurrence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are currently undergoing active cancer treatment or those without significant fear of recurrence may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an eHealth intervention called FoRtitude, aimed at helping breast cancer survivors cope with their fear of recurrence (FoR). The program utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies delivered through an online platform, making it accessible and scalable for patients. Participants will engage with interactive tools and didactic content over four weeks, with additional support through motivational interviewing to enhance adherence. The goal is to provide effective coping mechanisms for survivors facing emotional and cognitive challenges after treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the fear of cancer recurrence among breast cancer survivors, improving their overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar eHealth interventions for managing psychological distress in cancer survivors.
Where this research is happening
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Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wagner, Lynne I. — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Wagner, Lynne I.
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
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Helping breast cancer survivors cope with fear of cancer recurrence
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.
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A patient-friendly, online program uses coping skills to relieve AI-related joint pain and improve taking AI medication.
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Online pain-coping program for joint pain from aromatase inhibitors
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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.