Using a smartphone app to help breast cancer survivors manage anxiety and improve well-being
Official title: Evaluating Digital Micro-Interventions to Reduce Distress and Increase Wellbeing in Breast Cancer Survivors
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10878436 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $527,125 |
| NIH project number | 4R37CA248434-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10878436 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer survivors who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not breast cancer survivors or those who do not experience any mental health symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and testing a smartphone application called IntelliCare, designed to help breast cancer survivors manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. The app delivers digital micro-interventions that are brief and can be easily integrated into daily life, targeting various aspects of mental health. By incorporating feedback from survivors, the research aims to enhance the app's effectiveness in promoting overall well-being, not just symptom reduction. Participants will engage with the app to explore different strategies for improving their mental health and quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide breast cancer survivors with effective tools to manage their mental health and enhance their overall well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using digital interventions for mental health support, indicating that this approach could be effective for breast cancer survivors as well.
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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Short app-based activities designed to help breast cancer survivors feel less anxious or depressed and improve overall emotional wellbeing.
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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.