Breast Cancer

Women with Newly Diagnosed, Breast Cancer Recurrence

Cancer recurrence can be devastating. The numbers of recurrence diagnoses per year are staggering, with 1.2 million expected in 2005. Patients face many challenges. Despite the numbers of patients and the magnitude of difficulties confronting them, there has been little research attention to quality of life concerns of these patients. This research focuses upon this important topic, and we bring a mind-body perspective to the research. The study is seeking women newly diagnosed with a breast cancer recurrence. We will measure mood, quality of life, and health, but also include stress hormones (such as cortisol) and immune measures. In this way, this will study the link between patients' moods and feelings and their bodies' hormonal response to stress and the ability of their immune system to fight the disease. This mind-body perspective is the cutting edge of quality of life research for cancer patients.

Who is eligible?

1. Women with a new (initial) diagnosis of recurrent breast cancer and women who have not yet begun any cancer treatment.
2. Women able to travel to Columbus Ohio area for interviews and blood samples every 4-6 months.

Who is NOT eligible?

1. Women currently diagnosed with contra lateral breast cancer (a new cancer found in the previously untreated breast)
2. Women with a history of other cancer diagnoses, such as ovarian or endometrial cancer.
3. Women who have previously or are currently declining further cancer treatments.
4. Women with autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or chronic fatigue syndrome.

To contact us regarding participation, click here.

Women with Newly Diagnosed Stage IV or Inflammatory Breast Cancer

The goals of this study are similar to those described above (See description of study seeking patients with a recurrence of breast cancer). Patients with Stage IV or inflammatory breast cancer face many challenges. The proposed research focuses upon this important topic and uses research methods suited to understanding the complex and difficult circumstances for patients. In addition, data from this study will provide a basis to develop psychosocial interventions to help patients cope. To accomplish these goals we bring a mind-body perspective to the research. Women with newly diagnosed Stage IV or inflammatory breast cancer are sought. We will measure mood, quality of life, and health, but also include stress hormone (such as cortisol) and immune measures. In this way, we will study the link between patients' moods and feelings and their bodies' hormonal response to stress and the ability of their immune system to fight the disease.

Who is eligible?

1. Women with a new, first diagnosis of Stage IV Breast or Inflammatory Cancer who have not yet begun any cancer treatment.
2. Women able to travel to Columbus area for interviews and blood samples every 4-6 months.

Who is NOT eligible?

1. Women currently diagnosed with contra lateral breast cancer (a new cancer found in the previously untreated breast).
2. Women with a history of other cancer diagnoses, such as ovarian or endometrial cancer.
3. Women who have previously or are currently declining further cancer treatments.
4. Women with autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or chronic fatigue syndrome.

To contact us regarding participation, click here.