Calming influence

Study seeks best way to de-stress cancer survivors 

Lynne Kenney admits she had many “black days” following a right breast mastectomy and chemotherapy in 2007.

Then, last year, the 71-year-old Calgarian completed an eight-week Alberta Health Services program that taught her meditation and yoga techniques for battling stress.

“I’m now living a very happy, day-to-day life,” says Kenney.

“I’m not suffering the black days or black hours anymore…. Cancer is still in the back of my mind and it’ll be there for every day I live. But it’s not front and centre anymore.”

Kenney is one of about 110 breast cancer survivors who’ve participated in a four-year research study that measures how breast cancer survivors respond, physically and emotionally, to three different stress-reduction programs offered within Alberta Health Services.

“If we can determine certain types of people respond well to one form of support, then we can use that information to guide future patients to that optimal form of support,” says study co-investigator Dr. Michael Speca, a clinical psychologist within the Department of Psychosocial Resources at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and adjunct associate professor at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Medicine.

First, participants meet with the researchers to fill out questionnaires and provide blood and saliva samples. This information tells the researchers about the participant’s personality type, coping style and current stress levels.

Then the participant is randomly assigned into one of three stress-reduction programs offered by the Department of Psychosocial Resources at Calgary’s Tom Baker Cancer Centre: a one-day seminar for improving coping and problem-solving skills; an eight-week mindfulness program that teaches yoga and meditation; or a 12-week group therapy program in which breast cancer survivors compare experiences and share coping skills.

Researchers investigate the effects of these programs on stress hormone production and immune function.

About 2,000 women in Alberta are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Offering stress-reduction programs is a vital part of cancer care.

Speca says about 35 per cent of breast cancer survivors experience some form of emotional distress that, if left untreated, can persist for years, hindering their recovery and diminishing their quality of life.

“Feelings of vulnerability and mortality, and the realization this potentially terminal illness could come back, can be quite difficult to accept for many women,” says Speca.

Researchers are accepting new participants until the end of August. Women who have completed chemotherapy, radiation or surgical treatment for non-metastatic breast cancer may be eligible.

Interested candidates can contact Linette Lawlor Savage in the Department of Psychosocial Resources at 403-355-3219.

The study is funded by the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance. Women who do not qualify for the study are still welcome to participate in these programs, or other programs offered by the Department of Psychosocial Resources.