Yoga to Improve Disparities in Cancer Survivorship

Yoga to Improve Disparities in Cancer Survivorship

This clinical trial tests the impact of a racially concordant trainer led yoga program on quality of life and symptom burden in Black and/or African American cancer survivors. Black individuals in the United States are more affected by cancer, despite modern advances. Cancer treatments can impact physical and mental health and overall quality of life and Black individuals report worse physical function and quality of life and less access to culturally appropriate support services. Yoga has been shown to have a positive impact on cancer and cancer treatment related symptoms and quality of life, however, a one size fits all approach has not been shown to be effective in diverse populations. A trainer that shares the same racial or ethnic background as the participant (racially concordant) may have a positive impact on communication, trust, and may improve accessibility and participation. Participating in a yoga program led by a racially concordant trainer may improve quality of life and symptom burden in Black and/or African American cancer survivors.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:

I. Determine the feasibility and acceptability of a yoga intervention among Black individuals with cancer.

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:

I. To estimate the effect of the intervention on health-related quality of life.

II. To estimate the effect of the intervention on symptom burden. III. To determine the safety of the intervention.

OUTLINE:

Participants engage in racially concordant trainer led yoga sessions over 60 minutes once weekly (QW) on weeks 1-4 then participate in self-practice video led yoga sessions over 10-15 minutes on weeks 5-8.

After completion of study intervention, patients are followed up at 3 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age >=18 years.
2. Able to understand study procedures and to comply with them for the entire length of the study.
3. Ability of individual or legal guardian/representative to understand a written informed consent document, and the willingness to sign it.
4. Diagnosed with any malignancy and/or received any cancer directed therapy within 5 years of enrollment.
5. Be able to speak, read and write in English.
6. Self-identify as Black or African American race.
7. Reside in California.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Contraindication to any study-related procedure or assessment.

   a. Participants complete the PAR-Q at screening to ensure that they are physically well enough to enroll in the study. If they report any conditions that may be contraindications to physical activity, physician clearance will be required prior to enrollment.

2. Planned major surgery during the study period.

3. Any major injuries that limit physical activity.

4. Active or radiographic evidence of cancer requiring treatment during the study period. Adjuvant therapy is allowed (including hormonal, immuno-, or targeted therapy). Ongoing treatment such as hormone or maintenance therapies including HER2 directed, or immunotherapy are only allowed if patient has no evidence of disease on most recent imaging.