Learning to Live Better with the Stress of Cancer
Thomas Jefferson University is enrolling eligible women with cancer into a research study and free programs to learn skills
for living better with the stress of cancer.
Studies show that cancer support programs have proven success in helping women with cancer to live their lives with lowered
distress and improved overall health.
Our research study and Free 8-week cancer support programs include:
- Program materials
- Free parking and/or public transportation
If you are a woman in the Delaware Valley who is:
- 21 or older
- Diagnosed with cancer or recurrence within three years Call to find out about your eligibility and ways to participate.
Contribute to your own wellness and a groundbreaking research study for women with cancer.
Funded by National Cancer Institute’s Office of Cancer Survivorship
Thomas Jefferson University IRB #05F.294
Daniel A. Monti, MD, Principal Investigator.
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Agency name
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Thomas Jefferson University
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Address
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10th and Chestnut, Philadelphia, PA 19107
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Contact
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Kimmel Cancer Center
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Dates & Times
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Ongoing 8-week programs throughout the year
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General Eligibility
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21 or older, diagnosed with cancer or cancer recurrence within three years
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PI
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Daniel A. Monti, MD
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Group name
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Jefferson Mryna Brind Center of Integrative Medicine
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Meeting Name
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Comparison of Cancer Support Programs Research Study
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Location
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Various
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Additional Information
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1-800-JEFF-NOW
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Phone Number
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215-955-8370
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Sponsor
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National Cancer Institute Office of Cancer Survivorship
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Time
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Day and Evening Programs
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Availability to pub trans
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Public Transportation or Parking Paid for participants
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Directions from pub trans
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Will provide
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Research Study Purpose: The purpose of this research is to study potential effects on stress levels and quality of life of participation in an eight-week
support program for women with breast and other cancers, and to compare two different kinds of cancer support programs. This
study is designed to test the efficacy of a recently developed program for cancer patients, and to compare it to a standard
breast cancer support program. Also, researchers for this study hope to gain preliminary evidence as to whether either or
both programs being compared in the study effect changes in participants’ immune functioning. Group program participants who
are eligible may donate blood samples for analysis of factors related to immune functioning. Additionally, women who are not
interested in participating in a cancer support program are eligible to participate in the research as non-program participants
by taking the study questionnaires. The study is to continue through 2010.
Research Study Method: In the study, 339 women will be enrolled (226 with breast cancer and 113 with other cancer diagnoses). The support programs
being compared are intended to support the social, psychological, and physical well-being of each participant. The two main
differences between the two programs are: 1) One program emphasizes education while the other program emphasizes the development
of specific skills, and 2) one of the programs will have only breast cancer participants and the other program will have participants
with breast and other cancer types. Both programs have benefits as reported in the scientific literature; both are considered
to have minimal if no risks.
The breast cancer patients will be randomized to either the [experimental] recently developed program or a standardized breast
cancer support group. The women with other cancer diagnoses will be assigned to the experimental program. Each program meets
weekly for eight weeks. Each program has around 10 participants per group. This research study and Free 8-week cancer support
programs include, program materials and free/parking/public transportation paid for group attendance.
General Eligibility: The study is generally open to women living in the Delaware Valley who are age 21 or older and diagnosed with cancer or
recurrence within the last three years.
Women recently diagnosed will be recruited to the study and enrolled for participation in program when they have reached a
period of six months from their date of diagnosis. Call the Kimmel Cancer Center to find out more about your eligibility and
ways to participate 215-955-8370.
