Weight Management After Cancer for Survivors in Rural Communities

Breast cancer survivors often face long-term health challenges after treatment, including a higher risk of heart disease. This risk is especially high for women living in rural areas, where access to healthcare and healthy food may be limited, and opportunities for physical activity may be harder to find. Many survivors also deal with ongoing symptoms like pain, fatigue, and emotional distress, which can make it harder to eat well, stay active, and manage their weight. This study will test a program called WeCan-Rural, designed to help breast cancer survivors improve their health and lower their risk of heart disease. The program teaches skills for healthy eating, physical activity, and managing symptoms that can get in the way of a healthy lifestyle. It includes 12 weekly sessions delivered remotely through Zoom, so participants can join from home. Each session lasts about an hour and covers topics like nutrition, exercise, and ways to cope with symptoms using strategies like relaxation and pacing. Participants will receive tools to help them track their progress, including a wireless activity tracker, a scale, and a blood pressure monitor. They'll also get printed materials and access to online videos showing how to do recommended exercises. If needed, participants will be provided with a tablet and data plan to make sure they can join the sessions. The study will include 40 breast cancer survivors who have completed treatment and are living in rural, medically underserved areas. Half will receive the WeCan-Rural program, and half will receive standard health information from the National Cancer Institute. Researchers will look at how easy it is to recruit and keep participants in the program, how satisfied participants are with it, and whether it helps improve their weight, symptoms, diet, physical activity, and confidence in managing their health. The study will also measure changes in heart health indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. If the program is found to be helpful and well-received, it may be tested in a larger study in the future.