WeCan-Rural Program for Breast Cancer Survivors
(WeCan-Rural Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests the WeCan-Rural Program, which aims to help breast cancer survivors improve their health by managing symptoms and building healthy habits, such as eating better, staying active, and managing weight. The goal is to determine if these changes can lower the risk of heart disease after cancer treatment. Participants will either follow the new program with video sessions or receive standard health information. To qualify, participants must have completed cancer treatment within the last five years, have a body mass index over 30, and experience moderate or severe symptoms like pain or fatigue. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could significantly improve post-cancer health outcomes.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on lifestyle changes rather than medication adjustments.
What prior data suggests that the WeCan-Rural program is safe for breast cancer survivors?
Research has shown that the WeCan-Rural program supports breast cancer survivors by promoting healthy habits and managing symptoms. Although specific safety data from past studies of the WeCan-Rural program itself is unavailable, similar programs focusing on lifestyle changes are generally safe. These programs usually involve activities like healthier eating and increased exercise, which most people handle well.
The program also includes support from a trained therapist through video sessions, providing extra guidance and monitoring. This setup typically results in fewer negative effects and helps participants safely achieve their health goals. Since this program is in the "Not Applicable" phase, it likely focuses on observing participant responses, suggesting a low risk of harm.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Unlike traditional treatments for breast cancer survivors that often involve in-person support groups or therapy sessions, the WeCan-Rural Program is unique because it provides remote support through videoconferencing. This approach makes therapy more accessible for those living in rural areas, who might otherwise face barriers to attending in-person sessions. Researchers are excited about this program because it offers a way to deliver consistent, professional support to survivors regardless of their geographical location, potentially improving their quality of life and post-treatment recovery.
What evidence suggests that the WeCan-Rural Program is effective for breast cancer survivors?
Research has shown that breast cancer survivors face a higher risk of heart disease after treatment, and managing weight can help lower this risk. One study found that 94% of participants believed survivorship programs helped them make better health choices. Another study showed that patients were very satisfied with similar programs, rating them as both helpful and enjoyable. Physical activity and healthy eating are known to improve health for breast cancer survivors. In this trial, participants in the WeCan-Rural program will receive support to encourage healthy habits, which are important for long-term well-being.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Caroline Dorfman, PhD
Principal Investigator
Duke University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for women aged 18 or older who have had stage I-III breast cancer, finished main treatments in the past 5 years (except hormone therapy), have a BMI over 30, can safely exercise at home, speak English, and currently experience moderate pain, fatigue, sadness, or distress.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants visit their clinic to be weighed, have their blood pressure checked, give a blood sample, and complete a short walking test
Treatment
Participants receive the WeCan-Rural program or standard health information. The program includes 12 weekly one-hour video sessions on Zoom with a trained therapist
Post-treatment Assessment
Participants visit their clinic again to be weighed, have their blood pressure checked, give a blood sample, and complete a short walking test
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in weight, symptoms, diet, physical activity, and confidence in managing their health
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- WeCan-Rural Program
Trial Overview
The study compares a new online program called WeCan-Rural—which offers weekly group video sessions to support healthy habits—to standard health information. Participants are randomly assigned to one of these two groups.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants will receive the WeCan-Rural intervention, which includes twelve sessions delivered remotely (i.e., videoconferencing) by a trained therapist.
Participants will receive the National Cancer Institute-developed booklet "Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment," which presents information about cancer survivorship topics.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Duke University
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Weight Management After Cancer for Survivors in Rural ...
This study will test a program called WeCan-Rural, designed to help breast cancer survivors improve their health and lower their risk of heart ...
WeCan-Rural Program for Breast Cancer Survivors
This study is testing a new program called WeCan-Rural, designed to help breast cancer survivors manage symptoms and build healthy habits ...
Patient-centered outcome evaluation of the Rural Breast ...
Majority (94 %) indicated that the survivorship information was helpful in making health decisions and communicating concerns to family (87 % strongly agree/ ...
Interim results and program satisfaction of the EXCEL study
Participants reported high satisfaction with program staff (average = 4.5/5) and that the program was beneficial and enjoyable (average = 4.6/5). Conclusion.
5.
oncnursingnews.com
oncnursingnews.com/view/rural-patients-with-cancer-face-higher-costs-and-care-barriers-acs-can-findsRural Patients With Cancer Face Higher Costs and Care ...
A new survey reveals 53% of rural cancer patients struggle with costs, highlighting urgent needs for patient navigation and policy reform.
Adverse Health Outcomes Among Rural and Urban Breast ...
Compared to urban breast cancer survivors, rural breast cancer survivors had a 39% (HR = 1.39, 95%CI 1.02, 1.65) higher risk of heart failure (HF) within the 5 ...
Intervening on women's health for rural young breast ...
Nearly 10% of breast cancer cases occur in women younger than age 45 [1,2]. In pursuit of cure, most young breast cancer survivors (YBCS) undergo chemotherapy ...
Self-Determination Theory-informed Occupational Therapy ...
We propose to investigate the acceptability, feasibility, and safety of a novel 8-week OT program among urban and rural BC survivors (N = 30) that combines 1) 8 ...
'Beyond Cancer' Rehabilitation Program to Support Breast ...
Primary outcome measures included work status, work capacity and perceived support at work. Responses were compared with an historical usual care group of mixed ...
Unbiased Results
We believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your Data
We only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials Only
All of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.