BRIGHT Run is all about research and this year, four new projects were approved for funding using the fruits of your incredible fundraising efforts.
The funding opportunities came through a call for proposals launched by the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation earlier this year. The submissions were assessed by a panel of experts before funding was granted.
Last month, we highlighted the first project, led by Dr. Juliet Daniel. Take a look at the second one.
Pre-operative education and psychotherapy intervention to address post- mastectomy body image concerns: A feasibility study
Primary Investigator: Dr. Elena Parvez; Co-Investigator: Dr. Karen Zhang
Women with breast cancer can often experience concerns about how their body looks after surgery to remove one or both breasts. Changes in physical appearance can be very distressing, and can negatively impact a person’s mental health, relationship with others, and general well-being. There is little research on how some of these concerns can be addressed before a patient has surgery.
This study aims to develop and test an online group program providing education and therapy, before they have surgery, to help women with breast cancer cope with concerns about how their body will change. The study will take place in two phases to: 1) collaborate with patients and providers to develop the online program; and 2) test whether it is feasible to offer this new program to women with breast cancer while they are waiting for their surgery. To test feasibility, the researchers will look at participants’ degree of interest, attendance, and satisfaction with the program.
By providing support for women with breast cancer before surgery, the researchers hope to help women cope with the body changes they experience and prevent further stress during the cancer journey. The information that is gathered from this project will be used for a larger future study to test whether this program leads to improved well-being among women who have surgery for breast cancer.
