Pilot Study of an Intimacy Enhancement Intervention for Couples Facing Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
About this trial
This is an interventional supportive care trial for Breast Cancer
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Female
- Age > 21 years
- Has diagnosis of non-recurrent stage I-III breast cancer
- Completed active treatment (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery) 6 months-5 years ago (current use of endocrine therapy is acceptable)
- Has a partner or spouse who is > 21
- Lives with a romantic partner > 6 months
- Score of > 3 on Patient Care Monitor Sexual Concerns screening item
- No hearing impairment in patient or partner
Exclusion Criteria:
- Not able to speak English, as stated in medical record or as observed by study team member
- ECOG Performance score > 2 OR too ill to participate as judged by physician/in medical record
- Overt cognitive dysfunction or psychiatric disturbance such as suicidal ideation or severe mental illness, as observed or judged by the researcher, referring source, or other qualified observer.
- Past history of any cancer other than non-melanoma skin cancer
- Currently participating in couple/marital therapy
- Currently pregnant
Sites / Locations
- Fox Chase Cancer Center
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Active Comparator
Intimacy Enhancing Intervention
Living Healthy Together
Participants attend 4 intimacy enhancement intervention sessions over 75 minutes every other week for 4 weeks. The intimacy enhancement intervention comprises 4 main sessions: understanding impact of breast cancer on sex and intimacy, communication about sex/intimacy, problem-solving and changing thoughts, and planning ahead and preparing for challenges. Participants are encouraged to participate in written and behavioral activities at home.
Participants receive educational information and support about breast cancer every other week for 4 weeks. The educational information and support comprises topics about breast cancer, its treatments, sleep, energy, stress, stress management, nutrition, and diet. Participants are encouraged to read educational materials.