Appling, S. E., Scarvalone, S., MacDonald, R., McBeth, M., & Helzlsouer, K. J. (2012). Fatigue in breast cancer survivors: the impact of a mind-body medicine intervention. Oncology Nursing Forum, 39, 278–286.
To evaluate a group-based mind-body medicine (MBM) program for its impact on fatigue persisting at least six months beyond completion of adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy treatment among breast cancer survivors.
A 10-week multimodal intervention was developed and pilot tested to address the needs of patients with breast cancer. Ten 1.5- to 2-hour weekly group sessions were held, with five to 10 breast cancer survivors per group. Techniques for cognitive restructuring, exercise, positive psychology and spirituality, yoga, nutrition, and alternative or complementary therapies were introduced sequentially at weekly intervals. Fatigue and mood were measured at baseline, the end of the intervention period, and two and six months postintervention.
The intervention was held at two sites in Maryland: an urban community hospital and a semi-rural county health department.
The study followed a quasiexperimental, pre-/posttest design.
Randomized, controlled studies should be conducted to confirm the efficacy of this program intervention. Nurses and interdisciplinary team members may help breast cancer survivors to reduce persistent fatigue through a multipronged programmatic approach focusing on stress reduction, cognitive-behavioral techniques to achieve positive change, nutrition, and physical activity.