Mindfulness interventions + breast cancer (MABCan)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding and perceptions of mindfulness-based interventions and development of an adapted mindfulness intervention for breast cancer patients
IRAS ID
137733
Contact name
Caroline Eyles
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
Living with breast cancer (BC) causes considerable psychological and physical suffering. Between 24-89% of patients with early BC experience significant distress often from a fear of recurrence of the cancer which may persist long after the initial diagnosis. For patients with advanced BC anxiety and thoughts concerning the timing and mode of their death can lead up to 30% to experience clinically significant distress. Psychological interventions such as mindfulness meditation can benefit women at all stages of BC. Mindfulness involves learning techniques that enable people to focus on the moment increasing the ability to manage difficult experiences and feelings. Mindfulness courses generally consist of an 8-week group-based course that can be difficult for patients to commit to especially if they are working, have children and have hospital visits. The aim of this study is to explore the format and content of a mindfulness intervention in the context of BC and to develop an adapted mindfulness course.
This qualitative study will take place in two stages. Eligible women with a range of ages and stages of BC will be purposively sampled and recruited from a local oncology unit. In stage 1 we will conduct focus groups and interviews with BC patients to elicit understanding of and interest in mindfulness meditation interventions and this will provide an opportunity to understand patient preferences and needs. Focus groups will allow participants to share and generate views on the topic. Constant comparison within and between interviews and focus groups will aid analysis and the development of codes and themes. Stage 2 will involve designing and developing the adapted mindfulness meditation intervention in partnership with BC patients using “think aloud” interviews and with mindfulness intervention experts.
The design of the adapted mindfulness intervention will consider the unique characteristics and needs of BC patients, and may involve reducing the 8-week course and introducing a home-based component which could involve internet/web based materials, smartphone technology and/or CDs/DVDs.REC name
South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/SC/0565
Date of REC Opinion
30 Oct 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion