Long-Term Effect of a Nonrandomized Psychosocial Mindfulness-Based Intervention in Hispanic/Latina Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Background: There is a paucity of research on the long-term impact of stress-reduction in Hispanic/Latina breast cancer (BC) survivors, a growing minority. In this article, we assess the long-term efficacy of an 8-week training program in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on quality of life (QoL) in Hispanic BC survivors. Methods: Hispanic BC survivors, within the first 5 years of diagnosis, stages I to III BC, were recruited. Participants were enrolled in bilingual, 8-week intensive group training in MBSR and were asked to practice a- home, daily. They were also provided with audio recordings and a book on mindfulness practices. Patient-reported outcomes for QoL and distress were evaluated at baseline, and every 3 months, for 24 months. Results: Thirty-three self-identified Hispanic women with BC completed the MBSR program and were followed at 24 months. Statistically significant reduction was noted for the Generalized Anxiety Disorder measure (mean change −2.39, P=0.04); and Patient Health Questionnaire (mean change −2.27, P=0.04), at 24 months, compared with baseline. Improvement was noted in the Short-Form 36 Health-related QoL Mental Component Summary with an increase of 4.07 (95% confidence interval = 0.48-7.66, P=0.03). However, there was no significant change in the Physical Component Summary. Conclusions: Hispanic BC survivors who participated in an 8-week MBSR–based survivorship program reported persistent benefits with reduced anxiety, depression, and improved mental health QoL over 24 months of follow-up. Stress reduction programs are beneficial and can be implemented as part of a comprehensive survivorship care in BC patients.

Nuevo Amanecer‐II: Results of a randomized controlled trial of a community‐based participatory, peer‐delivered stress management intervention for rural Latina breast cancer survivors

“…30,31 Non-missing items are averaged with scores ranging from 0 to 4; higher scores indicate greater confidence in skills. (14) No adjuvant treatment 3 (4) 7 (9) 10 (7)…”

“…Latina breast cancer survivors report higher rates of anxiety, depression, fear of recurrence, fatigue, pain, and worse health‐related quality of life than their White counterparts 10‐12 . At least five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have tested psychosocial interventions focused on stress reduction among Latinas 10,13‐16 . However, RCTs testing psychosocial interventions among rural Latina breast cancer survivors are needed.…”

“…[10][11][12] At least five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have tested psychosocial interventions focused on stress reduction among Latinas. 10,[13][14][15][16] However, RCTs testing psychosocial interventions among rural Latina breast cancer survivors are needed. One small study (N = 14) tested a cognitive-behavioral stress management program in patients with varied types of cancer in rural New England settings.…”

Factors Impacting Management of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema (BCRL) in Hispanic/Latina Breast Cancer Survivors: A Literature Review

“…Seven studies addressed physical activity and diet, both factors considered important to BCRL risk management (Buscemi et al, 2020;Greenlee et al, 2013;Greenlee et al, 2015;Greenlee, Molmenti et al, 2016;Greenlee, Ogden-Gaffney et al, 2016;Hughes et al, 2008;Mama et al, 2017). Four studies examined stress management (Badger et al, 2020;Elimimian et al, 2020;Juarez et al, 2013;Nápoles et al, 2015). Across the 11 studies, a total of 966 Latina survivors participated.…”

“…The intervention studies used a variety of delivery methods (Table 1). The interventions were delivered at individual (Badger et al, 2020;Buscemi et al, 2020;Elimimian et al, 2020;Greenlee, Molmenti et al, 2016;Hughes et al, 2008;Mama et al, 2017); group (Elimimian et al, 2020;Greenlee et al, 2013;Juarez et al, 2013;Nápoles et al, 2015); and community (Greenlee, Ogden-Gaffney et al, 2015) levels. Skill-building activities included strength training (Hughes et al, 2008;Mama et al, 2017); aerobic exercise (Greenlee, et al, 2013;Mama et al, 2017); cooking (Greenlee, Ogden-Gaffney et al, 2015); and food-shopping field trips (Greenlee, Ogden-Gaffney et al, 2015).…”