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Interested in participating?

Contact a member of our research team at 919.451.1661

OR

Fill out our interest survey and we will call you!

Interest Survey

Welcome to our Study!

Study Overview

This study compares three behavioral programs that aim to improve symptom management and well-being after breast cancer-related surgery. This study is a collaboration between Duke Cancer Institute and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

Who can participate in the study?

Patients who:

  • Have been diagnosed with Stage 0 to III breast cancer, DCIS, or LCIS
  • Had surgery for breast cancer, DCIS, or LCIS at least three months ago
  • Had pain in the area of the breast surgery in the past month

Benefits of Participating

While there may be no direct medical benefit to participating, you will have the opportunity to learn skills that can help you better manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

Compensation

You will receive compensation for each survey and study visit you complete.

Our Team

Principal Investigators

Rebecca A Shelby

Rebecca A Shelby

Associate Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
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Dana H Bovbjerg, PhD

Co-Leader - Biobehavioral Cancer Control Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Research Staff

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Nicole A Arrato, PhD

Postdoctoral Associate
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Smrithi Divakaran, MPH

Study Coordinator
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Jessica Manculich

Study Coordinator, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
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Juliann Stalls, PhD

Postdoctoral Associate
Michael Willis

Michael W Willis

Study Coordinator
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Daniel Youssef

Clinical Research Specialist, Sr.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. In this study, you will be randomly assigned (like drawing numbers from a hat) to receive one of three programs focused on:

  1. providing coping strategies and improving well-being with the help of a coach,
  2. providing healthy lifestyle information and strategies with the help of a coach, or
  3. providing healthy lifestyle information and strategies through a self-guided workbook.

The first program includes eight sessions with a coach that are done by videoconference, which can be done from your own home and at a time that is convenient for you. These videoconferencing sessions will take place approximately once per week.

The second program focuses on healthy lifestyle information, and also includes eight sessions with a coach located at Duke that are done by videoconference, which can again be done from your own home and at a time that is convenient for you. These videoconferencing sessions will take place approximately once per week.

The third program consists of reviewing a self-guided workbook about healthy lifestyle information, which you can go over at your own pace.

If you choose to join the study, you will:

  1. Attend eight video meetings if you are in one of the programs with a coach. These video meetings are done by Zoom or telehealth at a time that is convenient for you. 
  2. Answer questionnaires every three months.
  3. Come in for three study visits over the course of about 12 months.
  4. Perform physical function tests (like grip strength) and a short sensory test during the study visits. 

About 45 minutes to an hour. We will always schedule a videoconferencing session at a time that is convenient for you.

You have 12 weeks to complete your program.

  • Questionnaires
  • A grip strength test
  • A test to measure your shoulder range of motion
  • A test to measure your upper arm circumference to assess lymphedema
  • Quantitative sensory testing (QST), which includes sensory and functional assessments

Participation in the study is entirely voluntary. You are under no obligation to participate in any part of the study that you find uncomfortable, and not participating will have no effect on your health care.

Approximately 12 months.

If You’re Interested

Please fill out our interest survey and we will reach out to you during business hours!