Examination of Broad Symptom Improvement Resulting From Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Breast Cancer (MBSR[BC]) program in improving psychological and physical symptoms and quality of life among breast cancer survivors who completed treatment.
Results Summary
The MBSR(BC) program showed extended improvement in psychological symptoms (anxiety, fear of recurrence) and physical symptoms (fatigue severity and interference) compared to usual care, with small to moderate effect sizes. Participants with the highest baseline stress levels experienced the greatest benefits.
Population
Breast cancer survivors who had completed treatment (n = 322).
Effective Dosage
6-week MBSR(BC) program (specific dosage not detailed).
Duration
6 weeks of intervention, with outcomes assessed at 6 and 12 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Breast Cancer (MBSR[BC]) program | decrease | psychological symptoms of anxiety | breast cancer survivors (BCSs) | - | demonstrated extended improvement | #1 |
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Breast Cancer (MBSR[BC]) program | decrease | fear of recurrence overall | breast cancer survivors (BCSs) | - | demonstrated extended improvement | #2 |
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Breast Cancer (MBSR[BC]) program | decrease | fear of recurrence problems | breast cancer survivors (BCSs) | d = 0.35 | demonstrated extended improvement | #3 |
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Breast Cancer (MBSR[BC]) program | decrease | physical symptoms of fatigue severity | breast cancer survivors (BCSs) | d = 0.27 | demonstrated extended improvement | #4 |
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Breast Cancer (MBSR[BC]) program | decrease | fatigue interference | breast cancer survivors (BCSs) | - | demonstrated extended improvement | #5 |
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Breast Cancer (MBSR[BC]) program | decrease | symptoms | BCSs with the highest levels of stress at baseline | - | experienced the greatest benefit | #6 |
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Breast Cancer (MBSR[BC]) program | decrease | a broad range of symptoms | BCSs | generally small to moderate overall effect sizes | significantly improved | #7 |
PURPOSE: The purpose of this randomized trial was to evaluate the efficacy of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Breast Cancer (MBSR[BC]) program in improving psychological and physical symptoms and quality of life among breast cancer survivors (BCSs) who completed treatment. Outcomes were assessed immediately after 6 weeks of MBSR(BC) training and 6 weeks later to test efficacy over an extended timeframe. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 322 BCSs were randomly assigned to either a 6-week MBSR(BC) program (n = 155) or a usual care group (n = 167). Psychological (depression, anxiety, stress, and fear of recurrence) and physical symptoms (fatigue and pain) and quality of life (as related to health) were assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks. Linear mixed models were used to assess MBSR(BC) effects over time, and participant characteristics at baseline were also tested as moderators of MBSR(BC) effects. RESULTS: Results demonstrated extended improvement for the MBSR(BC) group compared with usual care in both psychological symptoms of anxiety, fear of recurrence overall, and fear of recurrence problems and physical symptoms of fatigue severity and fatigue interference (P < .01). Overall effect sizes were largest for fear of recurrence problems (d = 0.35) and fatigue severity (d = 0.27). Moderation effects showed BCSs with the highest levels of stress at baseline experienced the greatest benefit from MBSR(BC). CONCLUSION: The MBSR(BC) program significantly improved a broad range of symptoms among BCSs up to 6 weeks after MBSR(BC) training, with generally small to moderate overall effect sizes.