Breast Cancer and Sexuality Treatment (BREAST Study)
Official title: Mindfulness-based treatment for sexual difficulties following breast cancer
The BREAST Study aims to support breast cancer survivors with the changes that breast cancer treatment can bring to their sexual lives. Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and hormone blocking therapies disrupt sexual function. This can impact how breast cancer survivors feel about themselves and in their intimate relationships. Over half of breast cancer survivors experience ongoing difficulties with sexual desire, sexual arousal, sexual distress and/or genital pain following breast cancer treatment. Unfortunately, treatment options are limited or difficult to access.
The BREAST study is a randomised clinical trial which will compare two effective treatments – a mindfulness-based treatment and sexuality education – in addressing difficulties with sexual desire, sexual arousal, sexual distress and/or genital pain. Mindfulness-based treatments use an acceptance-based approach to encourage present-focused and non-judgmental attention. Sexuality education focuses on sharing accurate information about aspects which facilitate sexual health and inhibit sexual distress or pain in the context of breast cancer
When does this study take place?
Recruitment began in January 2020 and is now complete as of December 2021.
What will happen after this study?
Findings from this study can inform treatments to improve the sexual health and quality of life of breast cancer survivors. We will be consulting with patient groups amongst other organisations to best share and apply these findings.
This study is a collaboration between the UBC Sexual Health Research, University of Calgary Department of Oncology, BC Cancer Agency and the Tom Baker Cancer Centre with funding from the Innovation Grant at the Canadian Cancer Society.
The Principal Investigator is Dr. Lori Brotto, Professor, UBC Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. @DrLoriBrotto.
Contact:
For British Columbia: Shannon.Woo@vch.ca
For Alberta: Carly.Sears@albertahealthservices.ca