Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Survivors
Conditions
Keywords
Breast Cancer Survivorship, Korean American, Online peer support,
Brief summary
The goal of this study is to evaluate the acceptability and engagement of a culturally tailored online peer-support program for Korean speaking breast cancer patients and survivors. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1) Is the peer-support program acceptable and sustainable in terms of engagement between mentors and mentees over a 12-week period? 2) Does participation in the program improve quality of life, psychological well-being (including anxiety and depression), and perceived social support? Participants will include Korean speaking breast cancer survivors (mentors) and patients currently undergoing treatment (mentees). After enrollment and matching based on screening information, participants will engage in peer-support interactions through an online platform for 12 weeks. Surveys will be administered at baseline, mid-point, post-intervention, and optional 6-month follow-up to assess outcomes.
Detailed description
This study evaluates the acceptability and engagement of a culturally tailored online peer-support program for Korean speaking breast cancer patients and survivors, as well as its potential impact on psychosocial outcomes. A total of 24 participants will be enrolled, including 8 mentors (breast cancer survivors diagnosed at least two years prior who have completed active treatment or are on long-term maintenance therapy) and 16 mentees (patients currently undergoing treatment). Participants will be recruited through community outreach using study flyers with a QR code that links to an online eligibility screener. Individuals who complete the screener will be contacted by the study coordinator to confirm eligibility and complete the informed consent process prior to enrollment. Mentors and mentees will be matched based on information collected from the screener, including demographic and clinical characteristics such as age group and cancer stage at diagnosis. Each mentor may be matched with up to two mentees. Mentors will complete a structured training program prior to participation. All participants will engage in peer-support interactions through an online platform over a 12-week period, with a minimum expectation of at least one bidirectional interaction per week. Data will be collected using REDCap. Participants will complete surveys at baseline, mid-intervention (weeks 4-5), and post-intervention (weeks 12-13), with an optional follow-up survey at 6 months. Outcome measures include engagement metrics, quality of life, psychological well-being (including anxiety and depression), and perceived social support.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Mentors: * Age ≥ 18 years * Self-identify as Korean * Able to read, write, and speak both Korean and English * Diagnosed with breast cancer ≥ 2 years prior to enrollment * Completed active treatment or currently on long-term maintenance therapy * Access to a smartphone, computer, or similar device compatible with the study platform * Willing to participate for at least 3 months * Willing to complete required training and surveys Mentees: * Age ≥ 18 years * Self-identify as Korean * Able to read, write, and speak Korean * Diagnosed with breast cancer * Currently receiving treatment (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation therapy, recent surgery, or endocrine therapy) * Access to a smartphone, computer, or similar device compatible with the study platform * Willing to participate for at least 3 months * Willing to complete required surveys
Exclusion criteria
* Individuals who do not meet the inclusion criteria * Individuals unable to use the online platform or required technology * Individuals deemed non-compliant or inappropriate for participation based on investigator judgment (e.g., inability to complete study procedures) * Mentees diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Feasibility of peer-support platform engagement | Week 1 to Week 12 | Feasibility is defined as the proportion of mentor-mentee pairs achieving at least one bidirectional interaction per week for at least 8 out of 12 weeks during the study period. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in quality of life (FACT-B score) | Baseline to Week 12 | Quality of life will be assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B) questionnaire, which includes physical, social/family, emotional, and functional well-being domains. |
| Change in social/family well-being (FACT-B social/family subscale) | Baseline to Week 12 | Social/family well-being will be assessed using the social/family well-being subscale of the FACT-B questionnaire. |
| Change in self-efficacy score | Baseline to Week 12 | Self-efficacy will be assessed using the self-efficacy scale included in the study questionnaire administered at baseline, mid-study, and post-study. |
Countries
United States
Contacts
CONTACTMin Jung Sung, BA
Outcome results
None listed