Study Details

Open

Cognitive and Brain Functioning after Treatment for Breast Cancer

Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill's Psychology and Neuroscience Department are recruiting women with recent breast cancer diagnoses to participate in a research study. The purpose of this study is to learn how cancer and cancer treatment affects brain functioning and cognition.

Age & Gender

18 years ~ 75 years
Female

Visit Availability

Standard business hours (M-F, 8-5)
Extended hours (M-F, early morning or evening)
Weekend hours, if needed
Visits can be combined with regular clinical appointments

Location

North Carolina (Statewide)

What will be asked of you

You will participate in two waves, or timepoints, of this study. The first will be before your breast cancer treatment starts (after surgery is OK). The second will be 4-8 weeks after your treatment is completed. In each wave, you will take surveys assessing your physical and mental health, complete cognitive tests, undergo an MRI brain scan, and give a small finger-prick blood sample. Participation will take approximately 5.5-6 hours each wave. You have the option to do all testing for each wave in a single, in-person session, or split across two shorter sessions (one virtual and one in-person).

Incentives

$240 total ($95 for completion of each of two waves, plus a $50 bonus for completing all study sessions)

In-person visits:
2

Phone or online visits:
2

Total length of participation:
3-4 months

Looking for Specific Volunteers

Able to participate:

You have breast cancer (non-metastatic, Stages I-IIIB)
You have not yet started treatment for breast cancer (surgery OK)

Not eligible if:

You have a neurologic or degenerative disorder
You have had a prior cancer diagnosis or treatment within the last 10 years
You have non-removable metal in your body (you cannot have an MRI scan)

Contact the Team

Visit Location

Contact & Visit Location

Primary Contact

Ritushree Dutta
cogmap@unc.edu
(919) 960-1435

Visit Study Website

Primary Visit Location

Biomedical Research Imaging Center
Marsico Hall (UNC-Chapel Hill)
125 Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA

Additional Study Information

Principal Investigator

Keely Muscatell
Psychology and Neuroscience

Study Type

Behavioral or Social
Observational

Study Topics

Aging
Behavior
Brain, Head, Nervous System
Cancer (Breast)
Immune System/Infections
Mental and Emotional Health
Women's Health

IRB Number

20-3604