News Release

Young breast cancer survivors
focus of new UNC-Chapel Hill study

CHAPEL HILL - Helping younger breast cancer survivors cope with uncertainty is the focus of a new study by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing.

Women less than 50 years old not only fear their cancer returning, they are also confronted with challenges unlike those that many cancer survivors over 50 have to face, said Dr. Merle Mishel, Kenan professor of nursing and the study's lead investigator. Those challenges include infertility as a result of treatment, raising children and isolation among their peers.

Mishel and her colleagues will adapt an intervention found to be successful in managing uncertainty among older women with breast cancer who are long-term survivors. It will teach women behavioral and communication strategies designed to calm fears of recurrence triggered by life events. They will also have a guide that includes the most up-to-date methods for managing treatment side effects such as hot flashes, body image issues, lymphedema and fatigue.

The $2.2 million study is funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research, part of the National Institutes of Health.

The Carolina researchers also plan to test the intervention's effect on women's cortisol levels. Following exposure to stressful or life threatening situations, cortisol, a naturally occurring stress hormone, sometimes remains at elevated levels, unable to fluctuate or return to normal levels. Researchers hope the strategies and skills taught in the intervention will help participants have a more regulated cortisol response to cancer related stressors.

"We want to help these women manage their uncertainty by giving them the skills to cope with their fears and concerns and information to manage treatment side effects," Mishel said. "We want them to help them experience less distress and more positive life experiences by being open to change and new opportunities."

Mishel and her research team are recruiting study participants in cities across North Carolina and are looking for women less than 50 years old who are two- through four-year breast cancer survivors. Women interested in participating may call (800) 349-5858 for more information.

-- 30 --

Note: Mishel can be reached at (919) 966-4274 or mishel@email.unc.edu

School of Nursing contact: Amanda Meyers, (919) 966-4619 or amanda_meyers@unc.edu