Feasibility of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program for early-stage breast cancer survivors.
Cecile A Lengacher, Versie Johnson-Mallard, Michelle Barta, Shirley G Fitzgerald, Manolete S Moscoso, Janice Post-White, Paul B Jacobsen, Melissa Molinari Shelton, Nancy Le, Pinky Budhrani, Matthew Goodman, Kevin E Kip
Journal of holistic nursing : official journal of the American Holistic Nurses' Association June 2011 DOI: 10.1177/0898010110385938 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 19 |
| Population | Women who completed breast cancer treatment with lumpectomy, radiation, and/or chemotherapy |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) |
| Duration | 8-week program |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Significant improvements in fear of recurrence, perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life were observed after an 8-week MBSR program, with a compliance rate of 67%. |
Abstract
To assess the feasibility of whether mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has a positive effect on breast cancer survivors' psychological status, psychosocial characteristics, symptoms, and quality of life (QOL) during the critical transition period from end of treatment to resumption of daily activities. Single-group, quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design. A sample of 19 women who completed breast cancer treatment with lumpectomy, radiation, and/or chemotherapy was recruited from the Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, a National Cancer Institute- designated cancer center, and the University of South Florida. The authors assessed the feasibility, compliance, and whether an 8-week MBSR program positively influenced changes in psychological status (fear of recurrence, perceived stress, anxiety, depression), psychosocial characteristics (optimism, social support, spirituality), physical symptoms, and QOL. Seventeen women (89.5%) completed the study. The mean age was 57 years; the majority of participants (94%) were White. The estimated compliance rate for the program was 67%. Paired t tests indicated significant improvements fear of recurrence, perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and QOL through MBSR participation. Participants enrolled in the MBSR classes generally were compliant. Significant improvement in psychological status, symptoms, and QOL can be achieved with MBSR use in this population.