Using writing to help breast cancer patients manage symptoms and stick to their medication
A value affirmation intervention for physical symptoms and medication adherence in breast cancer patients taking aromatase inhibitors
This study is looking at whether a simple writing exercise about personal values can help breast cancer patients taking aromatase inhibitors feel better and stick to their medication, by reducing stress and improving their overall well-being over six months.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Carnegie-Mellon University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10756458 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates whether a simple writing exercise focused on personal values can help breast cancer patients who are taking aromatase inhibitors. Many of these patients experience challenging physical symptoms and may struggle to adhere to their medication regimen. By participating in a randomized controlled trial, patients will engage in a 6-month writing intervention designed to reduce stress and improve their overall well-being. The study will measure changes in physical symptoms, medication adherence, and stress levels before, after, and six months following the intervention.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are postmenopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer who are prescribed aromatase inhibitors.
Not a fit: Patients who are not taking aromatase inhibitors or who are not postmenopausal may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved medication adherence and better health outcomes for breast cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous pilot studies have shown promising results with similar value affirmation interventions, although this study aims to expand on those findings with a larger sample size and a more rigorous design.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- Carnegie-Mellon University — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Creswell, John David — Carnegie-Mellon University
- Study coordinator: Creswell, John David
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 below.