Counseling for Breast Cancer

This trial tests a single 60-minute counseling session to determine its effectiveness in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression in women with breast cancer awaiting ongoing therapy. Researchers aim to assess whether this brief counseling can improve mental well-being and if participants can easily complete it. Participants will either receive the counseling session or a support booklet to review. Women diagnosed with breast cancer and currently on a waitlist for counseling in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut may be suitable for this trial.

As an unphased study, this trial provides a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance mental health support for women with breast cancer.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems to focus on counseling, so it's likely you can continue your medications, but you should confirm with the study team.

Research has shown that single-session counseling can be safe and helpful for people with breast cancer. One study found that just one therapy session reduced pain and anxiety after surgery, suggesting these sessions are generally well-tolerated and free of major side effects. Another study examined a single-session approach to ease fears about cancer recurrence. Although it didn't specifically focus on safety, the emphasis on emotional support suggests a low risk of harm. Overall, single-session counseling is generally considered safe and might even enhance emotional well-being.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores the potential impact of a single, focused counseling session for breast cancer patients, which is quite different from the ongoing support or therapy typically offered. This approach aims to provide psychological and emotional support in a compact, efficient manner, which could be more convenient and accessible for patients. Additionally, the trial compares this counseling session to a psychosocial support booklet from the American Cancer Society to evaluate its effectiveness. By examining these two approaches, researchers hope to discover more efficient ways to support the mental health of breast cancer patients, potentially offering a new, streamlined option for emotional care.

Research has shown that certain types of counseling can help breast cancer patients feel less distressed and improve their quality of life. In this trial, participants will receive either a Single Counseling Session or an American Cancer Society booklet for review. One study found that a single session of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) slightly reduced anxiety and pain in women with breast cancer. Another study discovered that Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) effectively decreased depression and stress in these patients. These findings suggest that even one counseling session might help reduce emotional distress for people with breast cancer.¹⁵⁶⁷⁸