A life threatening disease such as cancer may lead to post traumatic stress disorder, and even when reporting low levels of side-effects from cancer disease and treatment, 80% report high levels of stress symptoms. The purpose of the present randomised controlled trial is to examine the psychosocial effects of a stress management intervention based on cognitive behaviour therapy and with focus on increased physical activity in patients with various cancer diagnoses using a stepped-care approach. When using a stepped-care approach it is possible to study the level and intensity of stress management intervention required to achieve increased well-being. A cost-utility analysis will also be performed. 300 adult patients with a recent diagnosis of breast-, colorectal- prostate, testicular cancer or lymphoma and scheduled for adjuvant and/or curative oncologic treatment at Haukeland University Hospital, will be consecutively included in the prospective intervention study. The patients will be randomized to intervention or control. In step 1, all patients in the intervention group (I-a) will receive 2 counselling sessions. Patients who report clinically significant levels of stress, such as intrusive thoughts/avoidance behaviour (measured by Impact of Event Scale) and/or worry and depressions (measured by Hospital and Depression Scale) will be included in Step 2 (I-b) and include another 4-7 counselling sessions. There will also be a focus on motivating to increase physical activity level. Both the intervention (I) and control group (C) are allowed to take part in the common rehabilitation program with patient education and physical training. Data will be collected with self-reported standardized questionnaires. Objectively measures of physical activity level, sleep and daily energy expenditure are recorded with SenseWear™ Pro3 Armband. Measure point is at inclusion and than after 6 week, 4, 8, 12 and 24 month.
Age range
18 Years – 81 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Change in psychosocial status
Timeframe: from baseline to 24 month