Weight management program for breast cancer survivors in rural communities
Official title: Development and Pilot Testing of a Novel Intervention to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Breast Cancer Survivors Living in Rural, Medically Underserved Communities
Run by Duke University · NCT07426952 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Duke University Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Durham, North Carolina and 4 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 31, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07426952 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Duke University Medical Center
Durham, North Carolina, United States Recruiting -
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 -
UNC Health Johnston
Smithfield, 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
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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.