Psychosocial Trial Continues Recruitement at UCSF

An ongoing Psychosocial/Lifestyle Intervention Trial is still recruiting women with breast cancer. The purpose of this program is to compare an individualized vs. an integrated/intensive support program, and to examine what kind of woman might be most helped by either program. Women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer within the last 18 months or who have had a recurrence or metastatic disease are eligible to join our program. Initially, women will be asked to complete several questionnaires. They will then be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first group is a support group that meets once a week for 1 1/2 hours. In this group the participants will be able to express whatever thoughts, feelings or issues they may have about their experience with cancer. The second group is a more intensive group which meets twice a week for 2 1/2 hours and emphasizes complementary and alternative issues. This group consists of four subgroups: health and nutrition, dance/yoga, meditation, and a spiritual focus support group. The spiritual group is semi-structured, using discussion and imagery to explore issues of meaning and purpose in life, connectedness, forgiveness, dying and healing. The program will introduce women to a regimen of daily exercise, low-fat diet, and meditation or imagery. At the end of 12 weeks, participants in either group may continue in an ongoing support group.