Remote physical activity intervention for young Hispanic breast cancer survivors with persistent post-surgical pain.

Abstract

e12699 Background: Young breast cancer survivors frequently experience persistent post-breast surgery pain syndrome (PBSPS) during periods of active employment, caregiving, and recovery, leading to barriers in participating with in-person physical activity and therapy programs. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a remotely delivered, physical activity intervention using health coaching calls for young Hispanic breast cancer survivors with PBSPS. Methods: We conducted a single-arm, 12-week pilot study enrolling self-identified Hispanic women younger than 60 years old, at least 3 months post-treatment for invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ, who reported persistent post-surgical pain. The intervention included a Fitbit activity tracker and bi-weekly health coaching calls with motivational interviewing. The program emphasized whole-of-day movement to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, retention, and adherence. Exploratory outcomes assessed changes in pain interference (0-10 scale) and bodily monitoring (0-24 scale) and bodily threat appraisals (0-52 scale). Results: Twenty-five breast cancer survivors enrolled (mean age 47.4 years [SD 6.3]), with 71% selecting Spanish-language intervention delivery. Of these, 56.5% were early stage at diagnosis and on average 3.78 [SD 2.89] years since surgery. Retention at 12 weeks was 76% (19/25). Engagement with health coaching was high, with 95% completing at least four of five scheduled calls. There was a suggested 0.7 to 1.7 point decrease in pain interference across daily activities, sleep, mood, and stress (p-values > 0.05, except for stress). While there was minimal change in bodily monitoring (-2.4 points), there was a decrease of (-6.1 points) on bodily threat appraisals. Conclusions: A remotely delivered, health coaching based physical activity intervention is feasible and acceptable for young Hispanic breast cancer survivors with PBSPS. These findings support further evaluation in a randomized controlled trial and emphasize the importance of accessible, flexible survivorship interventions for younger breast cancer patients in their preferred language. Clinical trial information: NCT06260332 .