Effects of an online mindfulness-based intervention on Fear of Cancer Recurrence and quality of life among Chinese breast cancer survivors

Li Peng; Ying Yang; Muyu Chen; Chen Xu; Yanli Chen; Rongqian Liu; Xiaozhen Cao; Min Li

doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101686

Effects of an online mindfulness-based intervention on Fear of Cancer Recurrence and quality of life among Chinese breast cancer survivors

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2022 Nov:49:101686. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101686. Epub 2022 Nov 3.

Authors

Li Peng¹, Ying Yang², Muyu Chen¹, Chen Xu¹, Yanli Chen¹, Rongqian Liu¹, Xiaozhen Cao², Min Li³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Military Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
² Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
³ Department of Military Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China. Electronic address: limin52267@tmmu.edu.cn.

PMID: 36347151
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101686

Abstract

Objective: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) targeting cancer-related emotions and quality of life have attracted extensive attention in recent years. The purpose of the current study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an online mindfulness-based intervention and examine its effects on Chinese breast cancer survivors.

Methods: Sixty-five breast cancer survivors were randomized to either an online MBI or to wait for the next available program. The control group received usual care, while the intervention group also received six weeks of online MBI training. Participants completed the Short Form of the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI-SF), Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30) at baseline (T1), immediately after the intervention (postintervention: T2) and 1 month later (1-month postintervention: T3). In addition, answers provided to questions about the experience of participating in the course were analyzed.

Results: Compared with the control group, the mindfulness, emotional and cognitive function of the MBI group was significantly improved after the intervention, and the FCR of breast cancer survivors was significantly alleviated. These effects were still significant 1 month after the end of the intervention. Additionally, participants were satisfied with the online MBI through the qualitative survey.

Conclusion: This online MBI showed promise for Chinese breast cancer survivors, facilitating a reduction in FCR and improving their quality of life. The results of our study indicated that online MBI treatment could offer a scalable approach to manage FCR and maintain mental health for breast cancer survivors.

Keywords: Breast cancer survivors; Fear of cancer recurrence; Mindfulness-based intervention.

Publication types

Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

Breast Neoplasms* / psychology
Breast Neoplasms* / therapy
Cancer Survivors* / psychology
China
Fear / psychology
Female
Humans
Mindfulness* / methods
Quality of Life

Supplementary concepts

Phobia, Specific