If you are a woman living with breast cancer with limited access to support services and self-education tools, we invite you participate in a new research study comparing two programs already offered to breast cancer survivors in North America. Involvement in these programs may mean that you would be chatting with other breast cancer survivors over the Internet, or learning from a coping skills workbook. If this interests you, read on…
Who:
Women over the age of 18 who have been diagnosed with breast cancer in the last 3 years.
What:
Participants will be selected by chance to join one of two groups:
- Getting Well Together: an Internet Support and Skills Group that combines Internet chat and self learning in order to help women talk about, and cope with, a breast cancer diagnosis (1.5 hours per week).
- Nucare: a self learning workbook that teaches skills for coping with the experience of having breast cancer (1 hour per week).
Where:
In your own home, or where you have a private place to use a computer.
When:
We are currently recruiting participants for September 2009; dates and times have not yet been determined.
Why:
For a variety of reasons, women may not be able to access support services and self learning opportunities after their diagnosis/treatment. These reasons may include: having a busy family or professional life, having limited access to transportation, not feeling well from treatment, or living in a rural area.
Are you Eligible?
You are if you answer YES to all of the descriptions below:
- Breast Cancer diagnosis within the last three years
- Either in or finished treatment
- Feeling some distress
- Live in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, or the Northwest Territories
- Have high speed Internet access
- Comfortable using the Internet
- Are willing to participate in an Internet chat group
- Have 1 1/2 hours per week available to participate in the program
- Are willing to participate in either program
Joining the Study
Contact the Research Assistant, Linette Lawlor-Savage, to arrange for a telephone interview:
Telephone: 1-877-355-3214
Email: osgstudy@cancerboard.ab.ca
