Innovative research project explores impact of healthy weight and lifestyle in breast cancer survivors

An innovative, yearlong research project to determine whether a healthy weight and lifestyle can improve the quality of life for breast cancer survivors is underway at a Topeka, Kansas cancer center.

This project was launched through the efforts of Stormont-Vail HealthCare, an integrated health care system in Topeka, funding and support from the Midwest Cancer Alliance, and collaboration with three partners providing expertise and support to the project's participants.

The research project is three-pronged, with expertise coming from the partners: New Directions Behavioral Health^® (New Directions), Hy-Vee and Genesis Health Clubs. New Directions provides telephonic health coaching to promote and assist participants with healthy lifestyle changes. Hy-Vee provides nutritional counseling through a registered dietician. Genesis provides fitness training and an exercise venue.

"Although weight loss has been a positive outcome, a majority of the women have experienced less joint pain, more energy, increased awareness of healthy food choices and improved well-being," said Cindy Giessel, study coordinator for the Stormont-Vail Cancer Center.

Giessel also noted that having the support of the community partners has had an undeniable impact on the breast cancer survivors, and most say they wish the program would have been available at the time of their diagnosis.

"Participants are enthusiastic about the program," said Dottie Pfannenstiel, health coach for New Directions. "They look forward to the phone calls with the health coach, knowing they can share their struggles and successes as they work toward positive change."

"New Directions has added another layer of quality support for participants who are looking to change their lifestyle," said Jakica Tancabelic, M.D., Stormont-Vail's physician investigator. "We are excited about this study and pleased to be working with the partners we have."

The research project, which began in January 2015, can accommodate up to 80 participants. To date, 28 people have qualified for the study. Participants must be or have been patients of the Stormont-Vail Cancer Center with a breast cancer diagnosis and have a BMI of 25 or higher. Stormont-Vail will analyze the data and evaluate results when the project concludes at the end of the year.