Effectiveness of an online mindfulness-based stress-reduction intervention to reduce anxiety in breast cancer survivors: a randomized-controlled trial.

An online mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program reduced anxiety and depression in breast cancer survivors with elevated anxiety. In a randomized trial, 68 survivors were assigned to an 8-week online MBSR course or a waitlist control. MBSR participants showed significantly greater reductions in anxiety (average 4.13 points lower on the GAD-7) and depression (average 6.03 points lower on the PHQ-9) compared to controls, with benefits lasting through 8 months of follow-up. The proportion of MBSR participants with clinically significant anxiety dropped from 96% before the program to 38% at 8 months, while control group rates stayed around 88%. No significant differences were found for fatigue, insomnia, cancer worry, or vasomotor symptoms.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This study evaluated the efficacy of an online mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention in reducing anxiety among breast cancer (BC) survivors, leveraging the potential advantages of digital delivery to enhance psychosocial care for this population. In this randomized controlled trial, 68 BC survivors with elevated anxiety levels were assigned to either an 8-week online MBSR intervention (n = 33) or a waitlist control group (n = 35). Anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), fatigue (FACIT-F), insomnia (ISI), cancer-related worry (CWS), vasomotor symptoms (MENQOL), and mindful awareness (MAAS) were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at 5- and 8-months follow-up. Compared to the control group, MBSR participants showed significant reductions in anxiety (mean difference -4.13 points, 95CI -6.79 to -1.46, p = 0.003), depression (mean score difference -6.03, p 0.05). MBSR participants also demonstrated increased mindful awareness (mean difference + 1.00, p = 0.004) that persisted through follow-up. The proportion of participants with clinically significant anxiety decreased from 96% pre-intervention to 38% at 8-months follow-up in the MBSR group, compared to relatively stable rates (88% to 87%) in the control group. Online MBSR is a potentially effective intervention for reducing anxiety and improving psychological well-being in BC survivors. This accessible format may help overcome barriers to psychosocial care for cancer survivors. NCT05837169.