Stress Management for Cancer Patients: How Well Does it Work? (C2H-D)

Psychological interventions for cancer patients have been tested and found to reduce stress
and improve quality of life. These interventions have been tested at academic medical centers
but have not been available for use by community mental health professionals. One such
intervention is the Biobehavioral Intervention (BBI), developed by Professor Barbara L.
Andersen and colleagues at Ohio State (OSU). Current funding has enabled the investigators to
train mental health professionals from across the country to deliver the BBI at their
institution. Recently diagnosed cancer patients who are participating in the BBI group at
these institutions may participate in a research study completing self report measures asking
about psychological and behavioral outcomes (for example, mood, stress, diet and physical
activity). The investigators hypothesize that individuals participating in the intervention
will report improvements in outcomes, such as reduced stress and improved mood, reduced
symptoms of the disease and treatment, etc., after completing the intervention and continue
to report these improvements up to 6 months after the group ends. OSU will coordinate this
data collection project but information about participating sites is listed in
http://clinicaltrials.gov.