Initial Feasibility and Acceptability of A Community-based Lifestyle Intervention among Breast Cancer Survivors

Despite growing recognition of the importance of lifestyle weight management (LWM) in cancer survivorship, over 65% of breast cancer (BCa) survivors are overweight or obese. Successfully promoting maintenance of lifestyle behavior change and limited community access to cost-effective, sustainable LWM interventions are critical barriers that undermine the utility of integrating LWM approaches in the supportive care of BCa survivors. PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot trial is to determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 6-month community-based LWM intervention implementing a group-mediated cognitive behavioral (GMCB) approach in BCa survivors. In the current study, we evaluated select indicants of the feasibility and acceptability of the LWM intervention. METHODS: The 6-month, community-based pilot trial promotes behavioral weight management through an evidence-based exercise and dietary lifestyle intervention program. Feasibility and acceptability were tracked prospectively during the trial and assessed using retention and adherence rates and self-reported indices of intervention satisfaction and acceptability. RESULTS: Retention at 3 month and 6 months was 72.7%, however, only 45% completion of select functional and strength battery components at 6-month. Adherence to the intensive intervention sessions was 66% at 3 M and 42.4% at 6 M. Average satisfaction of the exercise, dietary, and group based behavioral sessions were 9.5, 8.75, and 8.63 out of 10, respectively. There was strong interest for participation in a longer trial, (M = 9.12, SD = 1.25), along with interest for technology supported delivery (M = 9.12, SD = 1.8). Overall, there was highly favorable patient reported satisfaction with program content, program structure, and perceived benefits reported at both 3 months and 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings provide support for the initial feasibility and acceptability of implementing a GMCB community-based LWM intervention among overweight or obese BCa survivors. Consequently, further evaluation of the efficacy and impact of a integrating the community-based LWM intervention in the supportive care of BCa survivors is warranted.