A pilot study of the Pathways program to address fear of recurrence and reduce distress among breast cancer survivors.

Abstract

206 Background: Breast cancer patients endorse anxiety and fear of recurrence for years after diagnosis. The Pathways for Survivors is a one-day program intended to address this distress by teaching cognitive behavioral strategies that improve self-efficacy, communication, attitude, and coping. The workshop incorporates an evidence-based program developed by authors/researchers Greg Hicks and Rick Foster, which has been adapted for the breast cancer survivorship population. Methods: Patients who had completed their acute phase of care were invited to attend the workshop. Attendees were asked to complete a series of questionnaires either on paper or electronically at baseline, 1 week and 6 weeks following the program and were consented to have their data used for research. Questionnaires included evaluation of program content and moderator quality, as well as measures to assess the impact of the Pathways intervention including the PROMIS Anxiety and Depression Short Forms, and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II). Results: Three sessions were held between 9/2015-9/2016. A total of 27 patients participated (6 in the first, 13 in the second, 8 in the third). Mean age of participants was 49 (range 28-65) years old. Race and ethnicity was: 63% White, 11% Asian, 4% Pacific Islander, 11% other, and 15% Hispanic/Latina (total > 100% due to a patient reporting more than one race/ethnicity). The table below summarizes the change in these scores over time. Evaluations showed that patients were extremely satisfied with the program and moderator, receiving average ratings of 9.6/10 and 10/10, respectively. Conclusions: The Pathways workshop was well received and appears to have at least a short-term impact on breast cancer survivors’ anxiety, depression, and psychological flexibility. [Table: see text]