A Trial Assessing Feasibility of Allostatic Load Biomarkers and CVD Risk Among Black Breast Cancer Survivors

GEM: A Single-Arm Trial Assessing Feasibility of Allostatic Load Biomarkers and CVD Risk Among Black Breast Cancer Survivors

This study's overall objective is to test the effects of a culturally tailored gratitude, exercise, and mindfulness/emotional freedom techniques (GEM) psychosocial intervention on allostatic load and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in black women breast Cancer survivors. Allostatic load refers to the cumulative physiological burden of chronic stress, which is a major contributor to CVD risk, impaired immune function, and worse cancer outcomes. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk encompasses factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose control that predict long-term cardiovascular health.

Among survivors of breast cancer in the U.S., black women have the highest rates of mortality from breast cancer, cardiometabolic disease, and all causes. These disparities are likely due to complex interactions between socioeconomic, psychosocial, and biological risk factors. A higher prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors among black women breast cancer survivors is one critical disparity associated with poorer breast cancer outcomes and increased cardiometabolic risk, including that driven by cardiotoxicity from breast cancer treatment. Engagement in physical activity, which reduces cardiometabolic risk, is associated with significant reductions in all-cause and cancer mortality in breast cancer survivors. However, black breast cancer survivors report lower levels of physical activity compared to their white counterparts, and most interventions targeting this behavior have not effectively engaged black women. Interventions that effectively increase physical activity in black women breast cancer survivors hold promise as a means for reducing these persistent disparities in survival outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants must identify as Black women who have survived breast cancer
• Participants must have completed primary cancer treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation) at least 6 months prior to enrollment
• Adults ≥ 18 years old
• Capable of completing study requirements
• Informed consent obtained from the participant and documentation of participant agreement to comply with all study-related processes

Exclusion Criteria:

• Females who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Prisoners or subjects who are involuntarily incarcerated, or subjects who are compulsorily detained for treatment of either a psychiatric or physical illness.
• Impaired cognition (i.e., inability to follow and respond appropriately during screening).
• Participants currently enrolled in other lifestyle, exercise, or psychosocial interventions will be excluded.