Project SOAR for Breast Cancer

Overseen By Alexandra Jorge, MA

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles

Disqualifiers: Men, Non-English speakers, Nonresidents, No internet

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 7

90 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if an online program called Project SOAR Awakenings can improve the well-being of Black American women diagnosed with breast cancer. It focuses on reducing depressive symptoms and fatigue while enhancing overall well-being. Participants will either join expert-led group discussions or receive materials for independent use. This trial suits Black American women diagnosed with breast cancer who have internet access for online sessions. As an unphased trial, it provides a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance support for others facing similar challenges.

Do I need to stop 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 online discussions and well-being resources, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required.

What prior data suggests that the Project SOAR Awakenings intervention is safe for Black American women diagnosed with breast cancer?

Research has shown that Project SOAR Awakenings aims to improve the well-being of Black women with breast cancer. This program includes online group sessions where participants discuss personal experiences and culturally significant topics. As it is not a drug-based treatment, typical safety concerns such as medication side effects do not apply. Participants have reported feeling more supported and connected, with no negative effects from the discussions. Overall, Project SOAR Awakenings appears safe and well-received, focusing on emotional and mental health support rather than physical treatments. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Project SOAR Awakenings because it offers a culturally tailored approach to supporting Black American women with breast cancer. Unlike traditional treatments that focus solely on medical interventions like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, this program emphasizes psychosocial support, addressing the unique cultural experiences and challenges faced by these women. By conducting interactive sessions that explore culturally relevant topics, Project SOAR Awakenings aims to enhance emotional well-being and resilience, potentially leading to improved overall outcomes for participants.

What evidence suggests that the Project SOAR Awakenings intervention could be effective for improving well-being in Black American women with breast cancer?

Research has shown that programs like Project SOAR Awakenings, tailored to the cultural needs of minority groups, can significantly enhance mental health. In this trial, participants in the Project SOAR Awakenings intervention arm will engage in group discussions and support sessions led by individuals with similar experiences to help reduce feelings of depression and fatigue. This approach fosters a sense of understanding and support, crucial for mental health. Early results suggest that discussing culturally specific topics, such as the Strong Black Woman concept, can enhance emotional resilience and overall quality of life. These discussions aim to build a supportive community and improve well-being for Black American women with breast cancer. ^{1 3 5 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Annette L Stanton, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of California, Los Angeles

Tammie Denyse, MDiv Dr(Hon)

Principal Investigator

Carrie's TOUCH

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Black American women diagnosed with breast cancer. Participants will be randomly placed into two groups: one attending online discussions to promote well-being, led by a breast cancer survivor and experts; the other receiving self-help materials by mail.

Inclusion Criteria

Able to speak and read English

Residing in the United States

Access to the internet/Zoom

Exclusion Criteria

Nonresident of the United States

No internet access

I am a man diagnosed with breast cancer.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Participants complete online questionnaires to collect demographic data and baseline measures of outcome variables

1 week

1 visit (virtual)

Intervention

Participants take part in four Project SOAR Gatherings, which are small group, 90-minute to two-hour online discussions designed to promote well-being

4 weeks

4 visits (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants complete online questionnaires to assess outcome measures at 1 month and 3 months post-intervention

3 months

2 visits (virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Project SOAR Awakenings
• Project SOAR comparison group

Trial Overview The Project SOAR Awakenings intervention is being tested against a comparison group. The study aims to see if an online support program can improve depressive symptoms, fatigue, and overall well-being more than self-help materials.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Project SOAR Comparison Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Black American women diagnosed with breast cancer in this arm will receive a care box with resources for Black American women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Group II: Project SOAR Awakenings intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Four Project SOAR Awakenings sessions will be conducted electronically (Zoom) by experts in a group format (12-18 participants/group) with Black American women diagnosed with breast cancer. The Strong Black Woman concept and other culturally curated topics will be discussed as they apply to group members' experience of breast cancer. All women in the study will receive a care box with resources for Black American women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, Los Angeles

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,594

Recruited

10,430,000+

Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

79

Recruited

40,500+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT07208084

Project SOAR (Speaking Our African American Realities ... The goal of this clinical trial is to test an approach to promote well-being in Black American women diagnosed with breast cancer.

2. trial.medpath.com trial.medpath.com/clinical-trial/ac1f8f625f3ddbdb/nct07208084-soar-awakenings-black-women-breast-cancer

Project SOAR (Speaking Our African American Realities ... - MedPath The goal of this clinical trial is to test an approach to promote well-being in Black American women diagnosed with breast cancer.

3. smartpatients.com smartpatients.com/trials/NCT07208084

Project SOAR (Speaking Our African American Realities) ... The goal of this clinical trial is to test an approach to promote well-being in Black American women diagnosed with breast cancer.

4. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-breast-neoplasms-6-2025-75563

Project SOAR for Breast Cancer The goal of this clinical trial is to test an approach to promote well-being in Black American women diagnosed with breast cancer.

5. bcrf.org bcrf.org/researchers/annette-l-stanton/

Annette L. Stanton | Breast Cancer Research Foundation They have developed a protocol for advancing their findings into a clinical trial, Project SOAR Awakenings. In addition, Dr. Stanton established a collaboration ...

6. sacobserver.com sacobserver.com/2025/09/project-soar-awakenings-care/

Dismantling stereotypes: Project SOAR for Black women “Black women die at 41% higher rates from breast cancer than white women do,” she says. “They've said that the entire 20 years that I've been a ...

7. carriestouch.org carriestouch.org/carries-touch-project-soar/

Project SOAR Black women have a 41% breast cancer mortality rate – the highest of any U.S. racial or ethnic group. Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with more ...