The eCALM Study - An Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program for Individuals Living With Cancer in Alberta

The eCALM Study - eTherapy for Cancer Applying Mindfulness: Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program for Underserved Cancer Patients in Alberta: A Randomized Wait-list Controlled Trial.

For people with cancer, in-person Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) participation can decrease stress symptoms, mood disturbance, and fatigue, as well as enhance personal growth and spirituality, and improve quality of life and sleep. Online MBSR may improve the accessibility of MBSR programs to underserved cancer patients who are unable to attend available in-person groups. This study will examine whether patients are willing to participate and complete the program, and also whether the online program improves mood and stress.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years of age or older
• Speak and read English sufficiently to complete questionnaires
• Women and men who have been diagnosed with any type of cancer, at any time in the past with no restriction on tumor site
• Pre or post primary cancer treatment, up to having completed primary cancer treatment within the last 36 months
• Exhibiting moderate distress
• Willing to participate in the intervention requirements; able to participate in the intervention (2 hrs per week for 8 weeks and a full day online retreat)
• Internet access
• Resident of Alberta, who has limited access to in-person cancer-specific MBSR programs

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of major self-reported psychiatric disorder not in remission, current substance abuse/dependence, and psychotic symptoms
• Previous participation in a MBSR program