Full Title
Enhanced Pain Coping in Cancer (EPIC)Purpose
Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are drugs that many people take for several years after initial breast cancer treatment. They are designed to reduce the chance that the breast cancer will come back. However, people who take AIs often develop a type of joint pain known as aromatase inhibitor-associated arthralgia (AIA). Those with AIA often reduce their physical activity and have an increased risk of falling. Some people stop taking their AIs because of this pain.
Researchers in this study are comparing two group treatments delivered virtually to help breast cancer survivors manage chronic joint pain. If you join this study, you will be randomly assigned to one of these groups:
- The first group will focus on mindfulness-based pain and stress management techniques. Mindfulness techniques help people focus on the present moment, as well as encourage acceptance of thoughts, emotions, and body sensations.
- The second group will focus on group support. Participants will discuss their thoughts and feelings about coping with pain, stress, emotions, and medication-related problems.
During the study, you will be asked to complete questionnaires. They will ask about your symptoms, overall health, quality of life, medication use, and treatment for AIA.
Who Can Join
To join this study, there are a few conditions. You must:
- Be a woman age 18 or older who can speak and understand English.
- Have a history of stage 1, 2, or 3 breast cancer, with no current evidence of disease.
- Be currently receiving “third-generation” AI therapy (anastrozole, letrozole, or exemestane), and plan to continue it for at least another 12 months.
- Be experiencing moderate to severe joint pain for at least a month.
Contact
For more information or to determine if you are eligible to join this study, please call Dr. Jun Mao’s office at 646-888-0863 or email [email protected].