Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Anxious Cancer Survivors

A Novel Acceptance-Based Intervention for Anxious Cancer Survivors

This randomized clinical trial compares group acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to usual care for cancer survivors experiencing anxiety following the end of cancer treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adults in the Greater Boulder/ Denver, Colorado area who had cancer and completed primary cancer treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation) within the previous 18 months
2. For solid tumor cancers: Show no current evidence of disease for solid-tumor cancers (of any cancer type or initial stage). For lymphoproliferative disorders such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia and indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: In remission or asymptomatic after initial treatment and are followed with active surveillance.
3. Screen positive for anxiety symptoms on the study screener
4. Able to speak, read, and write English fluently
5. Willing and able to participate in an ACT group once a week for 7 weeks
6. Willing and able to complete online questionnaires and phone interviews at designated assessment points

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Current moderate to high suicide risk
2. History of chronic untreated trauma (unrelated to their cancer)
3. Psychiatric hospitalization or suicide attempt in the past 5 years