Mobile Mindfulness Meditation Intervention to Improve the Well-Being of Cancer Survivors

Mobile Mindfulness Meditation Intervention to Improve the Well-Being of Cancer Survivors

Evaluate the impact and satisfaction of Mobile Mindfulness Meditation on anxiety, pain, fatigue, trauma, and sleep in cancer survivors.

Through previous research, mindfulness meditation has been linked to decreases in anxiety, increased pain tolerance, better mood, and improved quality of life, in both healthy and medical populations. Although mindfulness meditation is well promoted both clinically and in the media, finding ways to promote engagement in and fidelity to the intervention, in a format that is accessible for cancer survivors is crucial, as the availability of resources and appreciation of the benefits does not necessarily lead to behavior change.

With many more people surviving cancer than in previous decades, there is an opportunity to act on the residual effects of cancer diagnosis and treatment, and with the prevalence of technology ever increasing, online and mobile interventions have become more frequently delivered and have a particular utility for this population. Physical and geographic limitations could prevent cancer survivors from accessing psychosocial interventions. Whether the repeated beneficial findings of face-to-face training in mindfulness meditation will be found in a mobile environment is an open and timely question. This intervention will include two arms: the impact of the use of the mobile app for anxiety and for cancer related neuropathy.

Inclusion Criteria

Anxiety Arm:

1. previous diagnosis of cancer, other than non-melanoma skin cancer
2. over 21 years of age
3. routine access to the Internet
4. comfortable reading and writing in English
5. have completed primary treatment for cancer
6. indicate the presence of cancer related anxiety as indicated by the PROMIS measure
7. not currently practicing meditation regularly (more than one hour per week), and
8. diagnosed with any stage of cancer
9. own a smartphone or tablet

Cancer Related Neuropathy Arm

1. diagnosis of cancer
2. use of a taxane or platinum agent
3. experiencing CIPN, per self-report
4. over 21 years of age
5. routine access to a smart device
6. comfortable reading and writing in English, and
7. not currently practicing meditation regularly (more than one hour per week).

Exclusion Criteria:

None