Feasibility of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program for early-stage breast cancer survivors.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the feasibility of whether mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has a positive effect on breast cancer survivors' psychological status, psychosocial characteristics, symptoms, and quality of life (QOL) during the critical transition period from end of treatment to resumption of daily activities.


METHODS
Single-group, quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design.


METHODS
A sample of 19 women who completed breast cancer treatment with lumpectomy, radiation, and/or chemotherapy was recruited from the Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, a National Cancer Institute- designated cancer center, and the University of South Florida. The authors assessed the feasibility, compliance, and whether an 8-week MBSR program positively influenced changes in psychological status (fear of recurrence, perceived stress, anxiety, depression), psychosocial characteristics (optimism, social support, spirituality), physical symptoms, and QOL.


RESULTS
Seventeen women (89.5%) completed the study. The mean age was 57 years; the majority of participants (94%) were White. The estimated compliance rate for the program was 67%. Paired t tests indicated significant improvements fear of recurrence, perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and QOL through MBSR participation.


CONCLUSIONS
Participants enrolled in the MBSR classes generally were compliant. Significant improvement in psychological status, symptoms, and QOL can be achieved with MBSR use in this population.
University of South Florida, College of Nursing, MDC 22, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612-4476, USA. clengach@health.usf.edu
Cecile A
CA
Lengacher
Versie
V
Johnson-Mallard
Michelle
M
Barta
Shirley
S
Fitzgerald
Manolete S
MS
Moscoso
Janice
J
Post-White
Paul B
PB
Jacobsen
Melissa
M
Molinari Shelton
Nancy
N
Le
Pinky
P
Budhrani
Matthew
M
Goodman
Kevin E
KE
Kip
D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004644:Emotions; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006694:Holistic Health; D018939:Holistic Nursing / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D019122:Meditation / Q000379:methods*; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D019222:Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D029181:Spirituality; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome