Writing to Heal for Chinese Immigrant Breast Cancer Survivors
Official title: Writing to Heal: A Culturally Based Brief Expressive Writing Intervention for Chinese Immigrant Breast Cancer Survivors
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11118662 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how different types of expressive writing can help Chinese immigrant breast cancer survivors improve their well-being and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $575,960 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA248213-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11118662 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are Chinese immigrant breast cancer survivors who are interested in participating in a writing program to improve their well-being.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not Chinese immigrant breast cancer survivors or who are not interested in a writing-based approach may not receive direct benefit from this specific program.
What this research studies
Many Chinese immigrant breast cancer survivors face challenges finding mental health support that understands their culture, leading to lower quality of life. This project offers a brief writing program designed to help with emotional and thinking processes. Participants will be randomly assigned to write about neutral topics or to one of two specific writing styles: one based on Western methods of self-regulation, and another incorporating Asian ideas of self-cultivation. The goal is to see if these culturally sensitive writing exercises can make a positive difference in their lives.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this writing program could offer a new, accessible way for Chinese immigrant breast cancer survivors to cope with their experiences and improve their overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown benefits of expressive writing among Chinese immigrants, suggesting this approach has a foundation for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Qian — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Lu, Qian
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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.