Expressive writing intervention for Chinese immigrant breast cancer survivors

Writing to Heal: A Culturally Based Brief Expressive Writing Intervention for Chinese Immigrant Breast Cancer Survivors

NA · M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT04754412

This study tests whether different types of expressive writing can help Chinese immigrant women who have survived breast cancer feel better and improve their health.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment285 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT04754412 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the health benefits of a culturally based brief expressive writing intervention for Chinese immigrant women who are survivors of stage 0-III breast cancer. Participants are randomized into three groups: a control group that writes about factual information regarding their cancer, a self-regulation group that focuses on stress and emotional disclosure, and a self-cultivation group that writes about positive experiences related to their cancer journey. The study aims to assess the impact of these writing interventions on health outcomes and explore how cultural factors influence their effectiveness. Follow-up assessments are conducted at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months post-intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are foreign-born Chinese women aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with stage 0-III breast cancer and completed primary treatment within the last five years.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to provide informed consent or do not meet the eligibility criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance the emotional and psychological well-being of Chinese immigrant breast cancer survivors.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with expressive writing interventions, particularly in improving psychological outcomes for cancer survivors.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Being diagnosed with stage 0-III breast cancer.
2. Completed primary treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immune therapy, and/or targeted therapy within the preceding 5 years.
3. Foreign-born Chinese women (aged 18 and older) who lived in the U.S. for at least six months in the past.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Exclusion criteria include inability to provide informed consent

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Anatomic Stage 0 Breast Cancer AJCC v8, Anatomic Stage I Breast Cancer AJCC v8, Anatomic Stage IA Breast Cancer AJCC v8, Anatomic Stage IB Breast Cancer AJCC v8, Anatomic Stage II Breast Cancer AJCC v8, Anatomic Stage IIA Breast Cancer AJCC v8, Anatomic Stage IIB Breast Cancer AJCC v8, Anatomic Stage III Breast Cancer AJCC v8

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.