Mindfulness breathing exercises to manage chemotherapy symptoms in breast cancer patients
Official title: The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Breathing Exercises on Symptom Control and Salivary Cortisol Levels in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Run by Firat University · NCT07474337 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try mindfulness-based breathing exercises with people who have stage I–III breast cancer and are starting chemotherapy to see if the exercises reduce symptoms and lower stress measured by salivary cortisol.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Firat University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Elâzığ) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 10, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 15, 2026 |
| Study ends | August 15, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07474337 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (≥18) with stage I–III breast cancer who know their diagnosis, are receiving chemotherapy for the first time, can consent, and have no communication or serious psychiatric impairment are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with metastatic (stage IV) cancer, concurrent other cancers, significant psychiatric or communication problems, or those unable or unwilling to perform breathing exercises are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled experiment will enroll 72 adults with stage I–III breast cancer receiving their first chemotherapy at the Oncology Department of Fırat University Hospital and randomly assign 36 to a mindfulness-based breathing program and 36 to usual care. The intervention teaches focused breathing exercises intended to increase awareness and reduce physiological and psychological stress, while the control arm receives standard symptom management. Outcomes include patient-reported symptoms using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale and salivary cortisol levels collected at predefined time points. Results will compare symptom trajectories and cortisol changes between the intervention and control groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience better symptom control during chemotherapy and reduced stress levels, which may improve overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies of mindfulness and breathing techniques in cancer populations have shown modest improvements in symptoms and stress biomarkers, though findings across trials are variable and not definitive.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Being over 18 years of age * Knowing their diagnosis * Receiving chemotherapy for the first time due to a breast cancer diagnosis * Having breast cancer stages I, II, or III (stage 4 patients were not included in the study as metastatic spread would increase symptoms and make communication with the patient difficult), * Not receiving treatment for another cancer, * Not having a physical disability that would prevent telephone interviews (hearing, speech), * Not having any psychiatric disorder that would impair comprehension and understanding, * Patients who have verbally and in writing consented to participate in the study will be included in the research. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with communication problems • Patients with psychiatric problems
Where it's running
-
Gül DURAL
Elâzığ, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.