Trial Information

Investigating Mechanisms to Explain Age Associated Differences in Quality of Life Among Breast Cancer Patients

This multi-center study will include self-referred. This project is a prospective cohort
study of 800 women aged 18 and over who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Women will
be recruited into the study within 6 months after diagnosis and followed for 18 months. The
primary purpose of the proposed study is to examine mechanisms that may explain age
differences in the health-related quality of life of women who have been diagnosed with a
first-time breast cancer. The studies will examine psychosocial factors such as social
support, coping strategies, resiliency, and the impact of cancer on life responsibilities as
explanations of age-associated factors affecting HRQL. This project is an observational,
longitudinal study of women aged 18 and over who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer. In
order to examine both the short- and longer-term impact of breast cancer on HRQL, the study
will survey women post diagnosis and follow them at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. A secondary
purpose is to have this large cohort of breast cancer patients serve as a comparison group
for other studies in the Behavioral Center of Excellence award given to Wake Forest Medical
Center by the Department of Defense. Extensive baseline data will be collected by an
in-depth chart review and interview for additional data. Information will be gathered on
demographics, clinical and treatment variables. The study intervention consists of
collecting data on health-related quality of life through specific questionnaires.

Data collection instruments will be mailed to participants at regularly scheduled intervals
accompanied by a stamped,addressed envelope. If the participant does not return study forms
within three weeks, the participant will be called.