Expressive Writing for Body Image Distress in Young Cancer Survivors
Trial Summary
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial does not specify if you must stop taking your current medications. However, you can continue treatments for anxiety or body image distress if they started at least eight weeks before joining the trial and the dose hasn't changed.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
You can continue taking your current medications for anxiety or body image distress if you started them at least eight weeks before joining the study and haven't changed the dose. If you plan to start new treatments for these issues, you should wait until after the study.
What data supports the idea that Expressive Writing for Body Image Distress in Young Cancer Survivors is an effective treatment?
The available research shows that expressive writing can be an effective treatment for body image distress in cancer survivors. In a study conducted in a cancer clinic, patients who participated in a writing program reported positive changes in their thoughts about their illness. About half of the participants noticed these changes immediately after writing, and similar results were observed three weeks later. These changes were linked to a better quality of life. This suggests that expressive writing can help improve how cancer patients feel about their bodies and their overall well-being.12345
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Expressive Writing for Body Image Distress in Young Cancer Survivors?
What safety data exists for expressive writing in cancer survivors?
The studies reviewed indicate that expressive writing interventions, including self-compassion-based writing activities, are generally feasible and acceptable for cancer survivors, particularly those with breast cancer. Participants have reported positive responses and changes in their thoughts about their illness, which are associated with improved quality of life. No specific safety concerns were noted in the studies, suggesting that expressive writing is a safe intervention for this population.14567
Is expressive writing safe for young cancer survivors?
Is the treatment 'BI Focused writing, Control' a promising treatment for body image distress in young cancer survivors?
Yes, the treatment 'BI Focused writing, Control' is promising for young cancer survivors dealing with body image distress. Research shows that expressive writing can help reduce distress and improve quality of life by changing how patients think about their illness. This type of writing has been well-received by cancer patients and has shown positive effects in both clinical and non-clinical settings.13458
How does the treatment 'Expressive Writing for Body Image Distress' differ from other treatments for body image distress in young cancer survivors?
This treatment is unique because it uses expressive writing, a form of journaling, to help young cancer survivors process their feelings about body image changes, which can lead to improved psychological well-being and quality of life. Unlike traditional therapies, it focuses on self-expression and reflection, which can be done independently and without medication.13458
What is the purpose of this trial?
Each year, about 89,500 adolescents and young adults (AYAs; 15-39 years old) are diagnosed with cancer and up to 60% experience body image (BI) distress. BI is largely developed in adolescence and young adulthood and has implications for self-identity and quality of life. Cancer itself and its associated treatments precipitate changes to appearance as well as body sensation and function, all of which can alter BI and lead to increased anxiety. An in-home BI-focused expressive writing (EW) program offers a promising outlet for addressing BI distress and anxiety in a way that eliminates constraints of clinical time and specialist availability.There are no recommended interventions to help AYA cancer survivors cope with BI distress. To address this knowledge gap, the objective of this this pilot randomized-controlled trial is to determine the feasibility of a four-week BI-focused EW intervention to decrease BI distress and anxiety among AYA cancer survivors with the hypothesis that this intervention will reduce BI distress and anxiety.
Research Team
Victoria Wytiaz, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adolescent and young adult cancer survivors aged 15-39 who have finished cancer treatments at least 3 months prior. They must be experiencing body image distress but not planning any new cancer treatment or starting new therapies for body image issues during the study.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants engage in a four-week, in-home Body Image-focused expressive writing intervention or a control writing program
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, including completion of patient-reported measures
Treatment Details
Interventions
- BI Focused writing
- Control
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor