Breast cancer survivors often face heavy mental burdens. Anxiety and depression can feel overwhelming when you are already dealing with treatment side effects and life changes. A new analysis looked at whether internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy could help. This approach lets people learn coping skills online without needing to travel to a clinic every week. The study looked at 1,016 survivors who used these programs. Results showed clear improvements in both anxiety and depression scores. The therapy worked well even with just one session per week. It was also effective within eight to twelve weeks of starting the program. Self-guided versions of the therapy also showed significant benefits for those who prefer to work at their own pace. No serious safety issues were reported during the review. The programs were well tolerated by participants. However, experts say more research is needed to confirm these findings and check how long the benefits last. Despite this need for more data, the current evidence suggests this digital tool is a strong option for survivors struggling with their mental health.
Internet-based CBT modestly reduces anxiety and depression in breast cancer survivorsInternet therapy helps breast cancer survivors manage anxiety and depression
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Key Takeaway
Consider I-CBT as an adjunct for anxiety and depression in breast cancer survivors, though effect sizes are small.
This meta-analysis evaluated the effect of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (I-CBT) on anxiety and depression in breast cancer survivors, pooling data from 1016 participants. The primary outcomes were anxiety and depression, with no comparator reported. For anxiety, the pooled effect was significant (SMD = -0.14, 95% CI -0.27 to -0.01, P = 0.03). For depression, the effect was also significant (SMD = -0.19, 95% CI -0.31 to -0.06, P = 0.003). Subgroup analyses showed significant improvement for self-guided depression (SMD = -0.21, 95% CI -0.38 to -0.04, P = 0.02), anxiety at 8-12 weeks (SMD = -0.2, 95% CI -0.36 to -0.04, P = 0.02), depression at 8-12 weeks (SMD = -0.18, 95% CI -0.34 to -0.02, P = 0.02), and depression with one session per week (SMD = -0.16, 95% CI -0.3 to -0.01, P = 0.04). The authors note that further research is needed to validate the conclusion and assess long-term efficacy. Adverse events were not reported. The practice relevance suggests I-CBT is advisable for breast cancer survivors due to its significant effectiveness, with an autonomous, time-flexible program recommended.
What this means for you:
Internet-based therapy significantly reduced anxiety and depression in breast cancer survivors. More on Depression
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View Original Abstract ↓
OBJECTIVE: Evaluating the effects of Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (I-CBT) on anxiety and depression in breast cancer (BC) survivors.
METHODS: Systematic searches were conducted on eight Chinese and English databases from inception to July 20, 2024, for relevant randomized controlled trials. The quality of included trials was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias (ROB 2.0) tool, and meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4 software.
RESULTS: Seven studies, including 1016 BC survivors, were included. This meta-analysis found that I-CBT possessed significant effects on anxiety (SMD = - 0.14, 95% CI (- 0.27, - 0.01), P = 0.03) and depression (SMD = - 0.19, 95% CI (- 0.31, - 0.06), P = 0.003); subgroup analyses revealed that self-guided I-CBT significantly improved depression (SMD = - 0.21, 95% CI (- 0.38, - 0.04), P = 0.02); I-CBT lasting 8-12 weeks was effective for anxiety (SMD = - 0.2, 95% CI (- 0.36, - 0.04), P = 0.02) and depression (SMD = - 0.18, 95% CI (- 0.34, - 0.02), P = 0.02); I-CBT with one session per week was effective for depression (SMD = - 0.16, 95% CI (- 0.3, - 0.01), P = 0.04).
CONCLUSION: I-CBT had significant effects on anxiety and depression in BC survivors. The individual factors of a self-guided format, an 8-12 week duration, and one session per week each demonstrated greater efficacy for I-CBT in BC survivors; however, further research is needed to validate our conclusion and the long-term efficacy of I-CBT.
IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: I-CBT is advisable for BC survivors because of its significant effectiveness on anxiety and depression, and an autonomous and time-flexibility I-CBT program is recommended.
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