Abstract
Introduction
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Whilst increasing numbers of women are living beyond breast cancer, treatment-related body image concerns are common and associated with adverse consequences. Nonetheless, rigorously evaluated and effective body image interventions are lacking among this group. Accepting your Body after Cancer (ABC) has indicated promise in relation to in-person delivery. However, online delivery may increase accessibility and facilitate sustainability of the intervention. Therefore, we aim establish the feasibility of conducting a fully powered randomised controlled trial to evaluate online delivery of ABC.
Methods and Analysis
One-hundred and twenty women who have received treatment for breast cancer and are experiencing body image concerns will be randomised equally to either the ABC or standard care control group. All participants in both conditions will receive a body image booklet for people who have had cancer. ABC participants will also take part in a weekly seven-session, group-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy intervention, delivered online by a Psychologist and Cancer Support Specialist. Outcome measures will be completed at baseline and 9-weeks, 20-weeks, and 32-weeks post-baseline. Quantitative data on recruitment, retention, ABC attendance, and questionnaire completion rates will be analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data will also be collected to better understand the feasibility and acceptability of the research process and intervention, with data analysed using ‘codebook’ thematic analysis.
Ethics and Dissemination
The study has received ethical approval from the Newcastle North Tyneside Research Ethics Committee (ref: 24/NE/0092). The findings will be disseminated to academic and health professionals via a peer-reviewed publication and presentations at relevant conferences. Results will also be disseminated to participants, national cancer organisations, and the general public via accessible reports, online presentations, and different communication channels.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Whilst increasing numbers of women are living beyond breast cancer, treatment-related body image concerns are common and associated with adverse consequences. Nonetheless, rigorously evaluated and effective body image interventions are lacking among this group. Accepting your Body after Cancer (ABC) has indicated promise in relation to in-person delivery. However, online delivery may increase accessibility and facilitate sustainability of the intervention. Therefore, we aim establish the feasibility of conducting a fully powered randomised controlled trial to evaluate online delivery of ABC.
Methods and Analysis
One-hundred and twenty women who have received treatment for breast cancer and are experiencing body image concerns will be randomised equally to either the ABC or standard care control group. All participants in both conditions will receive a body image booklet for people who have had cancer. ABC participants will also take part in a weekly seven-session, group-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy intervention, delivered online by a Psychologist and Cancer Support Specialist. Outcome measures will be completed at baseline and 9-weeks, 20-weeks, and 32-weeks post-baseline. Quantitative data on recruitment, retention, ABC attendance, and questionnaire completion rates will be analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data will also be collected to better understand the feasibility and acceptability of the research process and intervention, with data analysed using ‘codebook’ thematic analysis.
Ethics and Dissemination
The study has received ethical approval from the Newcastle North Tyneside Research Ethics Committee (ref: 24/NE/0092). The findings will be disseminated to academic and health professionals via a peer-reviewed publication and presentations at relevant conferences. Results will also be disseminated to participants, national cancer organisations, and the general public via accessible reports, online presentations, and different communication channels.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | BMJ Open |
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 2 Jan 2025 |
