Effectiveness of an online mindfulness-based stress-reduction intervention to reduce anxiety in breast cancer survivors: a randomized-controlled trial.
Ana Ferrigno Guajardo, Misael Salazar-Alejo, Fernanda Mesa-Chavez, Javier Gutierrez-Ornelas, Alejandra Platas, Haydee Verduzco-Aguirre, Cynthia Villarreal-Garza
Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer June 24, 2025 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-025-09681-6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 68 |
| Population | Breast cancer survivors with elevated anxiety |
| Intervention | Online mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, 5- and 8-month follow-up |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Breast cancer survivorship Fatigue & insomnia |
| Citations | 3 |
| Registration | NCT05837169 |
| Key findings | Online MBSR significantly reduced anxiety and depression in breast cancer survivors compared to a waitlist control, with effects lasting at least 8 months. |
Abstract
This study evaluated the efficacy of an online mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention in reducing anxiety among breast cancer (BC) survivors, leveraging the potential advantages of digital delivery to enhance psychosocial care for this population. In this randomized controlled trial, 68 BC survivors with elevated anxiety levels were assigned to either an 8-week online MBSR intervention (n = 33) or a waitlist control group (n = 35). Anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), fatigue (FACIT-F), insomnia (ISI), cancer-related worry (CWS), vasomotor symptoms (MENQOL), and mindful awareness (MAAS) were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at 5- and 8-months follow-up. Compared to the control group, MBSR participants showed significant reductions in anxiety (mean difference -4.13 points, 95CI -6.79 to -1.46, p = 0.003), depression (mean score difference -6.03, p 0.05). MBSR participants also demonstrated increased mindful awareness (mean difference + 1.00, p = 0.004) that persisted through follow-up. The proportion of participants with clinically significant anxiety decreased from 96% pre-intervention to 38% at 8-months follow-up in the MBSR group, compared to relatively stable rates (88% to 87%) in the control group. Online MBSR is a potentially effective intervention for reducing anxiety and improving psychological well-being in BC survivors. This accessible format may help overcome barriers to psychosocial care for cancer survivors. NCT05837169.