Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for the Improvement of Cancer Distress in Patients With Incurable Cancers, ACT-C Trial

Development of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Cancer Distress Among Rural and Urban Patients With Incurable Cancers (ACT-C)

This clinical trial studies whether Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can be used to help improve cancer distress for patients with hepatobiliary or breast cancers for which no treatment is currently available (incurable). Patients with hepatobiliary cancer (HBC) and breast cancer often experience high levels of distress and reductions in quality of life. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for incurable cancers (ACT-C) is a behavioral intervention tailored to patients with incurable HBC and breast cancer. It helps patients cope with difficult thoughts and emotions while staying connected to what matters most in life, which may be an effective way to improve cancer distress.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Incurable HBC and breast cancer diagnosis
• Age >= 18 years
• Able to provide written informed consent
• Verbally endorse cancer distress
• Access to the internet
• Read and write in English
• Reside in the states of Minnesota

Exclusion Criteria:

• Other psychological therapy that started =< 2 months prior to prospective enrollment
• Inability to actively participate in and learn from group therapy (e.g., active/uncontrolled psychotic symptoms, neurological condition, personality pathology) as determined by clinical judgement in Behavioral Medicine Program (BMP) consultation. Individual therapy or alternative group therapy will be offered to patients ineligible per this criterion
• Cancer remission