Previvors Recharge: A Resilience Program for Cancer Previvors

Pro-Change Behavior Systems138 enrolled

Overview

It is estimated that 1 in 279 people may be carriers of a Hereditary Cancer Syndromes (HCS), a cancer risk that is associated with germline mutations (inherited genetic mutations passed directly from a parent to a child that create a genetic predisposition to certain types of cancer). Individuals with an HCS who have never been diagnosed with cancer (Previvors) have up to an 80% lifetime risk of developing cancer and are at an increased risk of developing multiple primary cancers during their lifetime, often with onset at an early age. Previvors face multiple forms of adversity, including a multitude of annual cancer screenings and the uncertainty of not only their own health but the health of affected family members. This study will examine the acceptability and preliminary effects of PreCharge, a resilience-boosting solution specifically designed for Previvors and delivered primarily via bi-directional text messaging. PreCharge uses proven approaches to behavior change tailoring to increase resilience by promoting a positive mindset, strong social connections, and a deep sense of meaning and purpose while also proactively addressing scanxiety. Up to 150 Hereditary Cancer Previvors will be recruited for a 30-day pilot test. Participants will complete a baseline assessment, and then be provided with 30 days of access to the PreCharge program. At the end of the 30 days, they will be prompted to complete a follow-up assessment. Outcomes to be examined will include pre-post changes on the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

138

Conditions

Hereditary Cancer

Interventions

PreChargeBEHAVIORAL

PreCharge is an intervention for Hereditary Cancer Syndrome Previvors that administers brief assessments and uses multivariate algorithms and tailoring technology to provide timely, individualized, bi-directional text messages to improve resilience and coping. The program uses proven approaches to behavior change tailoring to increase resilience by promoting a positive mindset, strong social connections, and a deep sense of meaning and purpose. It will also proactively provide access to online tools prior to medical appointments to address scanxiety (e.g., management of emotion tips; mindfulness meditation; communication scripts; breathing exercises). At any time, users will be able to text a trigger word to indicate that they need extra support and will receive just-in-time assistance via text message.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (CDRISC)

This 10-item scale assesses five factors related to resilience. Each item is rated on a 5-point scale with higher scores reflecting greater resilience. Scores range from 0-40. There are well-established norms across a variety of populations and the scale has been used as an outcome measure to evaluate a variety of different intervention programs.

Time frame: Baseline and 1 Month

Secondary Outcomes

Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQII)

The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire - version 2 (AAQII), is the most widely used measure of psychological flexibility. Higher total scores on the 7-item scale indicate higher psychological inflexibility, experiential avoidance, and more potential psychological distress. Lower total scores mean more psychological flexibility and normative values are available. Scores range from 7 to 49.