Breathing technique to reduce anxiety in breast cancer surgery patients

Peri-operative Slow-paced Breathing - a Non-invasive Technique to Reduce Anxiety in Breast Cancer Surgery Patients

Not applicable Interventional The Netherlands Cancer Institute · NCT06192225

This study tests if a slow breathing technique can help reduce anxiety and improve overall experience for patients having breast cancer surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorThe Netherlands Cancer Institute Academic / other
Locations1 site (Amsterdam)
Trial IDNCT06192225 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the impact of a slow-paced breathing technique performed at the induction of anesthesia on anxiety levels in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. The study compares the effects of this breathing intervention to usual care, measuring anxiety using the Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The aim is to determine if this technique can also influence other factors such as blood pressure, postoperative pain, and patient satisfaction. Conducted at a single center, the trial involves a randomized controlled design to ensure robust results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are female patients scheduled for surgery for breast cancer at the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital.

Not a fit: Patients who are under 18, have severe pulmonary or psychiatric disorders, or cannot understand Dutch may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce anxiety and improve overall patient experience during breast cancer surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While relaxation techniques have shown promise in reducing anxiety, the specific application of slow-paced breathing in this context is less explored, making this approach somewhat novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Female
* Undergoing surgery for breast cancer in the Antoni van Leeuwenhoekziekenhuis

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \< 18 years
* ASA ≥ 4
* History of severe pulmonary illness: severe asthma or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) GOLD III or IV
* Known or suspected severe psychiatric disorder
* Unable to give written or oral informed consent
* Patient refusal
* Not able to understand Dutch
* No internet access
* Visual or hearing impairments interfering with reading and listening to the online material

Where this trial is running

Amsterdam

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Anxiety
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.