TOPS for Breast Cancer Survivors: a weight loss program retooled for people living with breast cancer
Official title: Planning Grant for Take off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) for Breast Cancer Survivors
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11403921 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $100,169 |
| NIH project number | 5R34CA293460-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11403921 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Breast cancer survivors who are interested in weight loss and have access to the participating healthcare system.
✕Less likely to help
Some participants may not experience weight loss or may have conditions that limit weight loss efforts.
What this research studies
This project will adapt and pilot the TOPS weight‑loss program for breast cancer survivors, using input from survivors and transitioning from peer-led to dietitian-led initiation before moving participants to community TOPS chapters for maintenance. Researchers will recruit through electronic health records and test new materials from related studies that previously helped people lose weight. The goal is to see real‑world effectiveness of the adapted program in reducing weight and potentially lowering cardiovascular risk for survivors. Participants should expect a structured, supported approach with coaching and community resources to support long‑term changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, survivors could experience meaningful weight loss and reduced cardiovascular risk.
How similar studies have gone: Past studies of TOPS and related weight-loss programs have shown meaningful weight loss in some populations, supporting further adaptation for breast cancer survivors.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mitchell, Nia Schwann — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Mitchell, Nia Schwann
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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.