How social factors and genetics affect psychological symptoms in breast cancer patients
Official title: Influence of Social Determinants of Health and Epigenomics on Psychological Symptom Cluster Severity
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11012384 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how factors like your community and genetics can affect the feelings and stress women experience while being treated for breast cancer, and it will see if moderate exercise can help improve their mental well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $161,556 |
| NIH project number | 5K99CA286967-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012384 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women currently receiving treatment for breast cancer who are experiencing psychological symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing treatment for breast cancer or do not experience psychological symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the psychological symptoms experienced by women undergoing treatment for breast cancer, focusing on how social determinants of health and genetic factors may influence these symptoms. The study will explore the relationship between individual characteristics, community-level factors, and the effectiveness of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise in alleviating psychological distress. By examining DNA methylation changes, the research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to these symptoms, ultimately leading to more targeted interventions for patients. Participants will be involved in a randomized clinical trial to assess the impact of exercise on their psychological well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health outcomes and quality of life for women undergoing breast cancer treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that exercise can improve psychological symptoms in cancer patients, suggesting that this approach may be effective, although the specific mechanisms being studied here are novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harris, Carolyn Stigge — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Harris, Carolyn Stigge
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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.