Impact of fear of cancer recurrence on health behaviors in breast cancer survivors and their partners
Official title: Health Consequences of Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Breast Cancer Survivors and Partners
Funded at University of Delaware · NIH-11064846 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Delaware NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $643,177 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA240727-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064846 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include breast cancer survivors and their partners who experience fear of cancer recurrence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are currently undergoing active cancer treatment or do not have a history of breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the fear of cancer recurrence affects the health behaviors of breast cancer survivors and their partners. It focuses on three key areas: medication adherence, physical activity, and sleep patterns, which are crucial for long-term health outcomes. By examining these behaviors, the study aims to understand the interconnectedness of fear and health within couples, providing insights into how these factors influence each other. The research employs a longitudinal approach to gather data over time, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of these health behaviors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for breast cancer survivors and their partners by addressing the psychological impacts of fear and promoting healthier behaviors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that addressing psychological factors like fear of recurrence can lead to improvements in health behaviors, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Delaware
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Laurenceau, Jean-Philippe — University of Delaware
- Study coordinator: Laurenceau, Jean-Philippe
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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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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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.
-
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.