Mind-Body Health in Uro-Oncology: Research Study

Participant accrual will occur at NorthShore University HealthSystem's John and Carol Walter Center for Urological Health. During or prior to an office visit, a potential subject and possibly his/her spouse will speak with the physician or research staff to assess interest in discussing the study. All eligible participants will be enrolled into an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) course. Because the course content focuses on training in mindfulness meditation (and not cancer-specific issues), the researchers will allow for mixed cancer classes. Prior to the first class, all participants will complete baseline standardized patient reported outcomes (PROs) of health related quality of life, and undergo blood collection via finger prick. Following participation in the 8-week course, participants will complete their 8-week PRO and bio-marker assessments in a similar manner, and will be randomized to either 4 months of: 1) weekly mindfulness-specific text or email messages related to course teachings, 2) weekly general/informational texts or emails about healthy living and lifestyle, or 3) no texts or emails. PRO and bio-marker assessments will also be administered at 6 months, and PRO measures will be collected at 12 months.