Targeting chronic stress for colorectal cancer risk reduction: a pilot feasibility study among vulnerable at-risk Black females
The Story
Chronic stress can directly and indirectly promote carcinogenesis through immune, metabolic, and microbial pathways. Our overarching hypothesis is that reducing chronic stress will have important implications for CRC risk reduction among vulnerable and high-risk populations. A promising approach for reducing chronic stress is mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). MBSR is a meditation-based technique to achieve a state of mind that is used to experience higher awareness or consciousness. Existing small studies suggest MBSR may positively regulate stress response in a way that translates to anti-cancer effects including reduced inflammation.
What We’re Doing
We propose here to test an 8-week MBSR intervention delivered in a hybrid format (synchronous and asynchronous sessions) among 40 Black females at elevated risk of CRC, who reside in vulnerable communities and who report moderate to high perceived stress. At baseline and post-intervention, participants will provide blood and stool and undergo body composition analysis and complete mood and lifestyle related surveys. The specific aims are to: test the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and evaluate the preliminary effect on stress and weight, fasting glucose, inflammation markers, and the gut microbiome – risk markers and risk pathways associated with CRC. While relieving social stressors is the paramount goal, addressing chronic stress at the individual level is achievable now, with implications for CRC risk reduction. If successful, data generated here will serve in developing a fully powered trial to test if MBSR is efficacious for CRC risk reduction among high-risk vulnerable populations in Chicago.
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**This research team is currently looking for participants interested in completing a mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention**
You can learn about mindfulness and the study here
And participant eligibility below or here
To register for the study as a participant, please click here
For more information please contact (312) 996-3217 Or email [email protected]
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(2023) Full Project #2 – Research Team & Partners
University of Illinois Chicago
- Alana Biggers, MD, MS, Assistant Professor, Division of Academic Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine
- Lisa Tussing-Humphreys, PhD, RD, Professor, Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, College of Applied Health Sciences
- Keith Naylor, MD, MS Assistant, Professor, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine
Northwestern University
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Betina Yanez, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Medical Social Sciences Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center
Northeastern Illinois University
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Emily Booms, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Biology
Community Partner: Wellness House
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Maigenete Mengesha, PhD, Director of Cancer Health Equity, Wellness House
Mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention participant eligibility
This study may be a good fit for you if:
You are between 45-65 years old
You had a polyp called an adenoma during a colonoscopy in the past 36
months
You have access to a computer or smartphone that can be connected to
the Internet
You report moderate to severe stress based on a survey screener
You are willing to visit UIC 5 times during the study- twice for data
collection and three times for in person mindfulness meetings
You are willing and able to provide blood and stool samples
If you decide to take part in the research study, you would:
Come to UIC for 2 research visits and take part in weekly activities
Have your weight, height, and body composition completed
Complete several surveys about health, diet, and personal experiences
Undergo 2 blood draws
Collect 2 stool samples at home
Participate in weekly online sessions
Participate in a ½ day workshop at UIC
Participants will receive compensation for their time and reimbursement for
travel.
To learn more about this research please visit:
https://redcap.link/mindfulnesscrc
Or call (312) 996-3217
Or email [email protected]
The principal researcher for this study is Dr. Alana Biggers and Dr. Lisa Tussing-
Humphreys from the Departments of Medicine and Kinesiology and Nutrition at
UIC.
Study IRB: 2023-1359
Study Results
Study is underway. Please check back for study updates and results! Contact us to learn more or to get involved.
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Targeting chronic stress for colorectal cancer risk reduction: a pilot feasibility study among vulnerable at-risk Black females