Nurse-Delivered Adapted MBSR During Breast Cancer Radiotherapy

Effects of a Nurse-Delivered, Adapted Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Intervention on Psychological Distress, Hope, and Mindfulness in Women With Breast Cancer Receiving Radiotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized study examined whether adding a condensed mindfulness programme to standard radiotherapy care could improve psychosocial outcomes among women treated for breast cancer. One hundred participants were assigned to routine care alone or routine care together with the nurse-facilitated programme. Emotional distress, hope, and mindfulness were evaluated before the programme, directly after its completion, and approximately one month later.

Women receiving care at the oncology centre were initially identified through a review of clinical records. Those who appeared to meet the study requirements were invited for direct verification of all eligibility criteria. Written consent was obtained before baseline assessment, group allocation, and delivery of any study intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

Adult women with non-metastatic breast cancer who were receiving post-mastectomy radiotherapy were eligible. Participants had to be within one to six months after mastectomy, able to read and write, able to communicate verbally, available for follow-up, and willing to provide informed consent and undergo randomization.

Ability to read and write was required because participants completed self-administered outcome questionnaires and used written intervention materials, home-practice instructions, and weekly practice diaries.

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants were excluded if they had metastatic disease, current alcohol or drug misuse, serious comorbid conditions such as renal, cardiac, or liver disease, or any condition that limited their ability to complete the study procedures or outcome assessments.