Poster Presentation Cancer Survivorship Conference 2023

Improving mental health and wellbeing in women living with or beyond breast cancer: preliminary findings from the Plus1 Study (#168)

Matthew Iaesiello 1 , Amy Wellalagogade 2 3 , Natalie Tuckey 4 , Daniel D Fassnacht 5 , Joep van Agteren 1 , Monique Newberry 1 , Lisa Beatty 5 , Kathina Ali 5 , Rohit Joshi 6 7 , Bogda Koczwara 8 , Monique Bareham 9 , Hannah R Wardill 2 3
  1. Mental Health and Wellbeing Program, Lifelong Health Program, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute , Adelaide, SA, Australia
  2. Supportive Oncology Research Group, Precision Medicine Theme (Cancer Program), South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute , Adelaide, SA, Australia
  3. School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
  4. School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
  5. College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
  6. Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
  7. Lyell McEwin Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
  8. College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University , Adelaide, SA, Australia
  9. Patient Advocate, Cancer Survivor, Adelaide, SA, Australia

Background/objectives:

People living with or beyond breast cancer (BC) experience a range of physical and psychosocial challenges that negatively impact their wellbeing. We aimed to trial the Be Well Plan, a 5-week program which provides evidence-based activities to build wellbeing, in a cohort of people affected by BC. Participants were given the opportunity to bring a support person (a “Plus1”), which we hypothesised would enhance the magnitude/durability of response.

Methods:

Through consumer consultation, the Be Well Plan (developed by SAHMRI’s Be Well Co in collaboration with the Flinders University Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing) was adapted for use in people living with or beyond BC. Mental wellbeing (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale), resilience (Brief Resilience Scale), anxiety (GAD-7) and depression (PHQ-9) were assessed at baseline and at the end of the program. 

Results:

Of the N=40 people that registered their interest in the program, N=10 with all stages of BC participated so far (mean age 63.2 years (SD=7.0), 66% diagnosed with stage II or III), with 34% opting to bring a Plus1. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) analysis for wellbeing (F(1,25)=5.03; p=0.034, partial η2=0.167) and depression F(1,25)=5.034.27; p=0.049, partial η2=0.146) showed significant improvements following participation in the Be Well Plan. Neither resilience nor anxiety showed significant changes following the program, however a large effect size was observed for anxiety which was likely underpowered (partial η2=0.134). Reliable change indices showed that 60% of participants demonstrated reliable change in at least one mental health outcome.  

Conclusions: 

Our preliminary data suggest that The Be Well Plan is an accessible and effective program that delivers meaningful benefits to people living with or beyond BC. Our approach highlights the importance of engaging with consumers to ensure their lived experiences inform research priorities and study design, but also underscore the heterogeneity in consumer preferences.