Improving mood in older African American breast cancer survivors

Community Engagement in the Development of an Abbreviated Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Intervention for Depression in Older African American/Black Breast Cancer Survivors (Community Minds)

Not applicable Interventional Case Comprehensive Cancer Center · NCT06336538

This study is testing a mindfulness program to see if it can help older African American women who have survived breast cancer and are dealing with depression feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment31 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorCase Comprehensive Cancer Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Cleveland, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT06336538 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention aims to develop and test a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) program specifically for older African American/Black breast cancer survivors who experience high rates of depression. The study focuses on addressing the unique health disparities faced by this population, particularly the under-treatment of depression and its impact on health outcomes. Participants will be women aged 65 and older, who are at least three months post-active cancer treatment and exhibit mild to moderate depressive symptoms. The intervention seeks to provide a culturally relevant, non-pharmacological approach to improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are African American/Black women aged 65 and older who have been diagnosed with Stage I, II, or III breast cancer and are experiencing mild to moderate depressive symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with moderately severe or severe depression, or those with comorbid psychiatric illnesses that interfere with participation, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental health and overall well-being of older African American breast cancer survivors.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in treating depression in cancer patients using similar non-pharmacological approaches, indicating potential for this intervention.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥65 years old
* fluency in English
* female
* African American/Black
* diagnosis of Stage I, II or III breast cancer
* at least 3 months past active treatment for cancer (chemotherapy, surgery and/or radiation therapy) with no additional treatment scheduled except endocrine therapy
* mild to moderate symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9(26) scores 4-14)
* willing to be audio and video-recorded
* willing to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* moderately severe or severe depression (PHQ-9 scores ≥15)
* comorbid psychiatric illness or other psychological disorders that would interfere with the ability to participate in or receive benefit from MBCT-Brief, including generalized social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, drug abuse or dependence, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and active suicidal ideation.
* changes in antidepressant medication within 6 weeks of intake
* prior history of engaging in formal MBIs including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, MBCT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy
* current daily meditation practice

Where this trial is running

Cleveland, Ohio

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 Breast CancerBreast Cancer FemaleBreast Cancer Stage IBreast Cancer Stage IIBreast Cancer Stage IIIMild DepressionModerate DepressionBlack African Americans
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.