Short app-based activities to reduce distress and boost wellbeing for breast cancer survivors
Official title: Evaluating Digital Micro-Interventions to Reduce Distress and Increase Wellbeing in Breast Cancer Survivors
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11260163 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Short app-based activities designed to help breast cancer survivors feel less anxious or depressed and improve overall emotional wellbeing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $519,114 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA248434-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11260163 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Breast cancer survivors, particularly those within five years of diagnosis who are experiencing mild to moderate anxiety, depression, or lower wellbeing, would be ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without breast cancer, those with severe unmanaged psychiatric conditions, or survivors who do not use or have access to smartphone apps may not receive benefit from this intervention.
What this research studies
This project builds on an app called IntelliCare that delivers five brief, targeted activities (digital micro-interventions or DMIs) you can use during your day. The team is adding new DMIs aimed at boosting wellbeing—such as increasing social contact and positive emotions—and improving in-app guidance about the best timing to use each activity. They will gather user feedback (building on exit interviews from 210 survivors) and test how these DMIs affect mood, anxiety, and daily functioning. The approach focuses on brief, easy-to-use tools that fit into everyday life rather than long therapy sessions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these app activities could reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms and help survivors feel more socially connected and positive in daily life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous trials of IntelliCare and other brief digital interventions have shown promise for reducing depression and anxiety, though adding wellbeing-focused micro-interventions and timing guidance is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chow, Philip — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Chow, Philip
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Using a smartphone app to help breast cancer survivors manage anxiety and improve well-being
This study is testing a friendly smartphone app called IntelliCare that helps breast cancer survivors manage feelings of anxiety and depression by offering quick and easy mental health tips to improve their overall well-being.
-
Cancer Pain Management for Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors with Depressive Symptoms
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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.
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Digital tool to help breast cancer survivors stick to hormone therapy
A patient-friendly digital program is being developed to help women with breast cancer take their prescribed hormone therapy more consistently.
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Fit2ThriveMIND: An at-home program to boost activity with mindfulness for breast cancer survivors
A mobile-based program helps breast cancer survivors add more physical activity through mindful lessons and social support.
-
TOPS for Breast Cancer Survivors: a weight loss program retooled for people living with breast cancer
A Duke-led program is testing a structured weight‑loss plan tailored for breast cancer survivors to help them lose weight and reduce heart disease risk.
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.