New Research Studies
Breast Cancer
Moving Forward Part II: Support for Young Women Breast Cancer Survivors.
Starting in fall of 2010, CancerChatCanada researchers will launch a new investigation of online support and education for young women with breast cancer throughout Canada. Research associates in Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario will also be enrolling participants.
This study, funded by the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance, will enrol young women less than 46 years of age who have had a primary diagnosis of breast cancer.
If you would like to learn more about this research, please contact our study coordinator at 1-800-663-3333 extension 4955.
Young Women with Breast Cancer and their Partners - Online Program (BC, ON, NS, NB, PEI, NL)
Why a program for young couples?
The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer not only affects the woman with the disease but also her life partner. These challenges are often greater for younger couples who have to manage busy lives and multiple responsibilities alongside breast cancer treatment.
What is the study about?
The purpose of this project is to test an online educational program geared to the practical and emotional needs of young couples coping with breast cancer (e.g., communication and intimacy, fertility concerns, communication with young children). The 8-week program entails reading the web-based materials and participating in 6 weekly relationship enhancement exercises with your partner. The course is facilitated by a mental health professional. You would also complete questionnaires before participating in the program, immediately after, and then 3 months after that. So total involvement in the study would extend over a 5 month period.
Who is eligible to participate?
- Women who were 45 years of age or younger at the time of diagnosis.
- Women who are within 36 months of original diagnosis.
- Must have a diagnosis of breast cancer without metastases
- Women can be at any stage of treatment or recovery from trea
- Involvement in a committed relationship with a male partner.
Contacts
Please contact the appropriate person in your region for more information:
Deborah McLeod, Maritime Provinces, 902 473-2964, deborahl.mcleod@cdha.nshealth.ca
Karen Fergus, Ontario, 416 480-5000 x 124, Karen.fergus@sunnybrook.ca
Joanne Stephen, British Columbia, 604-707-5900 x 4960, jstephen@bccancer.bc.ca
Online Psychoeducation for Sexual Difficulties in Cancer Survivors (OPES)
OPES is a research study that is designed to test an online psychoeducational program for sexual problems in cancer survivors. A psychoeducational intervention is a brief, educational treatment that also encourages you to pay attention to, and modify, your thoughts, feelings, and behaviour.
Sexual concerns following treatment for cancer are extremely common. The OPES study is designed to shed light on the potential benefits of this online treatment for sexual difficulties following surgery for gynaecological or colorectal cancer. The online program includes 12 modules, administered once per week over the course of 12 weeks, that consist of readings, audio recordings, and practice exercises that can be completed in the privacy of one’s own home. In addition, participants have access to a moderated discussion board where they can post questions and have a sexual health expert reply.
For more information, please contact the study coordinator, Carolin Klein, at the UBC Sexual Health Lab, 604- 875- 4111, ex. 63994 or email Carolin.Klein@vch.ca