Study protocol of the CAREST trial: a randomised controlled trial on the (cost effectiveness of a CBT based online self help training for fear of cancer recurrence in women with curatively treated breast cancer.
One of the most prevalent long term consequences of surviving breast cancer is fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) which is associated with higher (mental) healthcare costs and lower surveillance rates. The majority of breast cancer survivors report a need for professional help in dealing with FCR. An easy accessible and cost effective evidence based psychological intervention for reducing FCR is lacking. In the current study an online self help training to reduce FCR will be evaluated. In addition, the secondary aim of this study is to identify factors that predict whether women can benefit from the online self help training or not. A multi centre, parallel groups, randomised controlled trial will be conducted to evaluate the (cost effectiveness of the CAREST trial. A sample of 454 women with curatively treated breast cancer will be recruited from 8 hospitals in the Netherlands. Participants will be randomised to the intervention or usual care group (1:1) Self report measures will be completed at baseline, 3 (post intervention) 9, and 24 months. Primary outcome is FCR severity; secondary outcomes are healthcare costs, health status, and psychological distress. The online tailored self help training "Less fear after cancer" is based on cognitive behavioural therapy and consists of 2 basic modules (psycho education; basic principles of cognitive behavioural therapy) and 4 optional modules (rumination; action; relaxation; reassurance) to choose from. Each module consists of an informative part (texts, videos, audio files) and a practical part (exercises) For every patient, the intervention will be available for three months. Personal online support by an e mail coach is available. Online self help training may be an easy accessible and cost effective treatment to reduce the impact of FCR at an early stage in a large group of breast cancer survivors. A strength is the 24 months follow up period in the health economic evaluation. The results of the study will provide information on the possible strengths and benefits of online self help training for FCR in breast cancer survivors. This study is registered at the Netherlands Trial Register NTR4119 date registered: August 15, 2013)