Support and Post-therapeutic Rehabilitation for Women in Complete Remission of Breast Cancer in a Thermal Environment
This study is called the PACThe - Real life project, and it's designed for women who have successfully completed their breast cancer treatment and are now in remission. The main goal is to see if a 3-week stay at a spa, specifically adapted for post-cancer support, can help improve their quality of life. During this time, participants will receive various spa treatments, as well as physical activities, massage, and support for diet and mental well-being. Researchers will track participants’ quality of life over 18 months using a questionnaire to see if the program has lasting positive effects. This research builds on earlier studies that showed spa treatments can boost physical and emotional health, helping women recover fully after cancer.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is about a special program for women who have finished their breast cancer treatment and are now healthy. It's called the PACThe - Real life project and focuses on how a 3-week stay at a spa can help them recover and feel better. During this time, the women take part in activities like baths, gentle exercises, massages, and get advice on healthy eating and emotional support. The idea is to help them feel stronger physically and emotionally, and to get back to their normal lives.
Researchers want to see if this spa program makes a real difference to their quality of life. They will ask participants to fill out a simple questionnaire about how they are feeling, not just when they are at the spa, but for up to 18 months afterwards. This helps them understand if the benefits of the spa stay last a long time. This study is building on previous research that found spa treatments can improve how people feel, both physically and emotionally, after cancer.
The findings from this study could help more women in the future. If the program is shown to be very helpful, it might become more widely available, helping many more women recover after breast cancer treatment. It's about finding ways to support people beyond their medical treatments, helping them to live their best lives.
Key takeaways
- A 3-week spa program for women recovering from breast cancer.
- Aims to improve quality of life and well-being after treatment.
- Includes baths, exercises, massage, diet, and emotional support.
- Measures changes in quality of life over 18 months.
- Builds on previous research showing benefits of spa treatments for recovery.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for women between 18 and 75 years old who have had breast cancer. You would be considered if you've finished your main cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and your cancer is completely gone, or in remission. You can still be on hormone therapy and take part. You also need to be able to understand the study information and give your consent to join, and be part of the UK's social security system.
However, you wouldn't be able to join if your cancer has spread to other parts of your body, or if it's still active. If you have serious emotional or eating problems, or if you are very underweight (BMI below 18.5) or very overweight (BMI above 35), you wouldn't be eligible. Also, if physical activity is not safe for you due to heart problems or issues with your bones and muscles (though having lymphedema is okay), or if you're already in another clinical study, you can't participate.
There are also some medical conditions that would prevent you from joining, such as severe kidney, liver, or breathing problems, recent blood clots, or certain types of high blood pressure. If you can't understand French well enough to fill out questionnaires, you also wouldn't be able to take part.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you a woman aged between 18 and 75?
- Have you finished your main breast cancer treatments (like chemo/radiotherapy)?
- Is your breast cancer currently in remission (not active or spread)?
- Can you understand information and give consent in French (for questionnaires)?
- Are you able to participate in gentle physical activity?
- Do you not have specific serious health conditions listed as exclusion criteria?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you would begin with a first visit where you discuss the study and fill out a quality of life questionnaire. Then, you would go for a 3-week spa treatment program. This program includes various activities like therapeutic baths, gentle physical exercises, aquagymnastics (exercise in water), massages, and physiotherapy. You'll also receive advice on healthy eating and psychological support.
After your 3-week spa stay, you will complete the same quality of life questionnaire again. You will then be asked to complete this questionnaire three more times: once at 6 months, again at 12 months, and finally at 18 months after your spa treatment. There are no new medications involved, just the spa program and filling out questionnaires. The total duration of your participation, including the follow-up, will be about 18 months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (15)
- Thermes de Balaruc-les-BainsVerified postcodeBalaruc-les-Bains, France
- Thermes de BarbotanVerified postcodeBarbotan-les-Thermes, France
- Thermes de Cambo-les-BainsVerified postcodeCambo-les-Bains, France
- Thermes de Capvern-les-BainsVerified postcodeCapvern, France
- Thermes de ContrexévilleVerified postcodeContrexéville, France
- Bains de SarrailhVerified postcodeDax, France
- Thermes d'Eugénie-les-BainsVerified postcodeEugénie-les-Bains, France
- Thermes de Gréoux-les-BainsVerified postcodeGréoux-les-Bains, France
- Thermes de La LéchèreVerified postcodeLa Léchère, France
- Thermes de la Roche-PosayVerified postcodeLa Roche-Posay, France
- Thermes de Luxeuil-les-BainsVerified postcodeLuxeuil-les-Bains, France
- Thermes de Molitg-les-BainsVerified postcodeMolitg-les-Bains, France
Common questions
What kind of spa treatments will I receive?
The treatments include therapeutic baths, gentle exercises, aquagymnastics, massages, physiotherapy, and support for diet and mental well-being.
How long will the spa stay be?
The spa treatment program lasts for 3 weeks.
Will I have to pay for the spa treatment?
The study mentions that the program is covered 50% by social security in France. More details on costs for UK participants would need to be confirmed by the study organisers.
How often will I need to fill out questionnaires?
You'll fill out a questionnaire at the start, at the end of your spa stay, and then at 6, 12, and 18 months afterwards.
Can I still be on hormone therapy?
Yes, you can still be undergoing hormone therapy and participate in the study.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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