Weight management program for breast cancer survivors in rural communities
Development and Pilot Testing of a Novel Intervention to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Breast Cancer Survivors Living in Rural, Medically Underserved Communities
This program will test whether a 12-week remote WeCan-Rural program helps rural breast cancer survivors with obesity lose weight, ease symptoms, and lower heart disease risk.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Duke University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Henderson, North Carolina and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07426952 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized pilot will enroll 40 rural-dwelling women who completed stage I–III breast cancer treatment within the past five years and have a BMI >30. Participants are randomly assigned to the 12 weekly one-hour Zoom WeCan-Rural sessions or usual care, and receive tools such as an activity tracker, scale, and blood pressure monitor. Study visits occur twice about 12 weeks apart for weight, blood pressure, blood sample collection, and a short walking test, and participants complete online surveys on diet, activity, symptoms, and self-management confidence. Primary aims focus on feasibility (recruitment, retention, acceptability) and preliminary effects on weight, symptoms, physical activity, diet, and health self-efficacy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adult biological females (≥18 years) with stage I–III breast cancer who finished curative-intent treatment within five years, live in rural areas, have BMI >30, can do home-based activity, and can read/speak English are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with severe visual, hearing, cognitive impairment, severe mental illness that prevents participation, those who cannot use English-language remote delivery, or those unable to perform home-based activity are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help rural breast cancer survivors lose weight, reduce lingering symptoms, and lower cardiovascular risk through a convenient remote format.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lifestyle and remote weight-management programs for cancer survivors have shown feasibility and modest improvements in weight, activity, and symptoms, so this builds on existing evidence rather than being entirely novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * aged 18 years or older * female (biological sex) * diagnosis of stage I-III breast cancer * completed treatments with curative intent (with the exception of hormonal treatments) in the last 5 years * body mass index \>30 * healthy enough to participate in home-based physical activity * able to speak/read English * reports rating of ≥4 (i.e., moderate or more severe) out of 10 for one or more of the following symptoms at its worst in the last month (per the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory): pain, fatigue, sadness, and/or distress Exclusion Criteria: * visual, hearing or cognitive impairment or severe mental illness interfering with participation
Where this trial is running
Henderson, North Carolina and 2 other locations
- Maria Parham Cancer Center — Henderson, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
- Scotland Health — Laurinburg, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
- UNC Health Southeastern — Lumberton, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Caroline Dorfman, PhD — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Smrithi Divakaran, MPH
- Email: smrithi.divakaran@duke.edu
- Phone: 919-681-7695
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.