Evaluating the effects of expressive writing on body image after breast cancer surgery

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the impact of a psychological intervention using expressive writing on the mental and physical health of patients undergoing mastectomy and breast reconstruction due to breast cancer. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: one receiving the expressive writing intervention and the other receiving standard care. The study will measure changes in psychological well-being, inflammatory markers, and the tryptophan/kynurenine ratio. The goal is to understand how emotional support can enhance recovery and body image perception post-surgery.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Presence of diagnosis of breast cancer
* indication to undergo surgical mastectomy treatment
* Italian nationality
* level of education not lower than a secondary school diploma, ensuring sufficient writing skills.

Exclusion Criteria:

* the occurrence of metastases and/or relapse during the study phase,
* the refusal of patients to undergo reconstruction treatment
* the presence of existing psychopathological diagnosis

Where it's running

• Sant'Andrea Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology "La Sapienza'' University of Rome
  Rome, Rome, Italy Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Carlo Lai — Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies Sapienza University of Rome
• Study coordinator: Carlo Lai
• Email: carlo.lai@uniroma1.it
• Phone: 0649917599

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.