Remote Breast Cancer Research Study
Researchers at the University of Virginia are conducting a study on digital mental health support for women 0–5 years post-diagnosis of Stage I, II, or III breast cancer.
Fast Facts
Women 0-5 Years Post-Diagnosis of Stage I, II, or III Breast Cancer
Experiencing Symptoms of Depression or Anxiety
Compensation
Provided
Conducted Remotely
Study Background
Cancer care shouldn’t stop at the physical — mental health matters too.
While breast cancer treatment primarily focuses on the body, emotional and psychological effects can linger long after the initial diagnosis and treatment. Many survivors experience depression, anxiety, or difficulty coping, but access to targeted mental health support is often limited.
This study, the Building Apps for Cancer Survivors (BARCS) Trial, is led by Dr. Philip Chow at the University of Virginia. The goal is to learn how women recently diagnosed with breast cancer engage with short, easy-to-use digital tools designed to support their mental health and wellbeing. The information collected will help researchers develop a flexible library of mobile and web-based programs tailored to cancer survivors’ real-life needs.
Study Background
Cancer care shouldn’t stop at the physical — mental health matters too.
While breast cancer treatment primarily focuses on the body, emotional and psychological effects can linger long after the initial diagnosis and treatment. Many survivors experience depression, anxiety, or difficulty coping, but access to targeted mental health support is often limited.
This study, the Building Apps for Cancer Survivors (BARCS) Trial, is led by Dr. Philip Chow at the University of Virginia. The goal is to learn how women recently diagnosed with breast cancer engage with short, easy-to-use digital tools designed to support their mental health and wellbeing. The information collected will help researchers develop a flexible library of mobile and web-based programs tailored to cancer survivors’ real-life needs.
Additional Information
This study is designed to better understand how breast cancer survivors use and respond to brief, digital mental health tools. The goal is to make support more accessible, effective, and customizable for women navigating life after cancer.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 0-5 years post-diagnosis of Stage I, II, or III breast cancer
- Experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety
- Women ages 18+
- Own a smartphone
Fill out a short online screening survey to see if you qualify.
If eligible, a study team member will contact you to review the consent form over the phone.
Complete a 30-minute online questionnaire.
Get assigned a digital mental health program to try for 1 week.
After using the program, complete a second 30-minute online questionnaire.
Participate in a 30-minute phone interview to share your feedback.
Participants can earn up to $50 in gift cards for completing the study. You’ll receive:
$25 for completing the post-program questionnaire
$25 for completing the feedback phone interview
Gift cards will be emailed about a week after your final phone call.
You may benefit personally from using the program by gaining helpful tools and insights to improve your mental health and overall wellbeing.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.