"An innovative and exciting eight-week Mindset and Metastatic Research Study which uses artificial intelligence to investigate personalized stress reduction strategies for women living with advanced cancer."
- American Association for Cancer Research: "Leading Discoveries"
STUDY OUTCOMES PRESENTED AT 2023 AACR ANNUAL CONFERENCE
18.1%
Decreased
Depression
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale*
15.1%
Decreased
Perceived Stress
Perceived Stress Scale-10*
9.7%
Decreased
Anxiety
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale*
7.6%
Increased
Self-Efficacy
New General
Self-Efficacy Scale*
"I loved the (ComedyCures) videos - great tips and ideas. I enjoyed the meditation practices, and the reminder to stay focused on the present instead of worrying about the future... It reminded me to stop and take care of myself and my anxiety."
- Feedback: Study participant living with advanced cancer
In the Press
Mindset & Metastatic Cancer Study Findings
Read our findings press release
Study Launch
Read our announcement press release
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Here's an example of one of 17 mindset videos created by stage IV cancer survivor, Saranne Rothberg
6 ComedyCures comedians performed:
The ComedyCures Foundation would like to thank our ComedyCures comedians who provided comedic relief at three intervals of the study.
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Michele Balan
Karen Bergreen
Wali Collins
Sherry Davey
Zarna Garg
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Marc Theobald
What is the purpose of this study?
Living with cancer can be stressful. Just as we prioritize physical health, people living with cancer should also receive stress and mental health support services, if desired. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of a digital health solution and fun stress management and relaxation techniques on the perceived stress of women living with metastatic cancer.
The Mindset and Metastatic Cancer Research Study!
Females living with advanced cancer participated in our Mindset & Metastatic Cancer Research Study. Participants from 24 states and 10 countries applied for the study.
Benefits for participants
There are many positive outcomes possible for study participants:
Create an individualized self-care program on the award-winning Neolth platform with effective strategies & practices from diverse experts including ComedyCures
Reduce perceived stress, help manage anxiety and/or depression
Elevate mindset/mood, gain a positive outlook and increased energy
Learn techniques to increase joy and laughter
Help further research to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for women living with metastatic cancer
Have more fun for 8 weeks!
Study Details
This 8-week voluntary mindset study offers each participant a personalized digital health experience by utilizing a complimentary subscription to the Neolth platform with practices that include:
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ComedyCures Foundation tips, practices & funny content
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Self-guided relaxation and self-care activities, personalized just for you
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On-demand videos to improve mental health (videos are 2 - 15 minutes each)
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An easy method to monitor your most effective practices and how they impact your stress and health
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Live Zoom Sessions w/Saranne. Three optional 30-minute sessions will be offered during the study:
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Live Virtual Comedy Kick-off, Q&A, Prize Drawing
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Live Virtual Interim Workshop, Q&A, Prize Drawing
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Live Virtual Closing Celebration: Comedy, Prize Drawing & Thank You
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Over the course of this study, you’ll be asked to use the Neolth platform each week on your mobile device, tablet and/or desktop with a minimal time commitment. You will also be asked to complete 3 quick online surveys (15 minutes each) during the 8 weeks.
The Process
Eligibility Surveys To Be Submitted:
Women living with metastatic cancer who are interested in volunteering for the 8-week Mindset Study are asked to complete the brief eligibility survey and provide their contact information.
Participants Selected and Contacted on a Rolling Admission:
The first 50 eligible women will receive an email from The ComedyCures Foundation indicating they’ve been selected to participate and will be asked to confirm their agreement to voluntarily participate. If more than 50 women are eligible, ComedyCures will randomly select participants in a blinded process. Enrollment into the study will occur on a rolling basis as those selected agree to participate in the study.
Baseline Study:
Participants who are selected and confirm their interest will receive an email from HumorBuddy@ComedyCures.org with a link to complete the baseline survey.
Note that the baseline survey must be completed by the eligible participant before signing into her complimentary subscription to the Neolth digital platform.
The 8-Week Schedule
Week 1:
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Complete the Baseline Program Survey (15 minutes) and create a Neolth account (free access will be provided)
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Complete two self-guided relaxation practices on the Neolth digital platform
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Watch one on-demand video on the Neolth digital platform
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Live Virtual Comedy Kick-off, Q&A, Prize Drawing (optional)
Weeks 2 & 3:
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Complete two relaxation practices and one on-demand video on the Neolth digital platform each week
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Participants will be sent email reminders about engagement
Week 4:
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Complete two relaxation practices and one on-demand video on Neolth
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Mid-way Program Survey (10 minutes) to be completed at the end of week 4
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Live Virtual Workshop, Q&A, Prize Drawing (optional)
Weeks 5, 6 & 7:
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Complete two relaxation practices and one on-demand video on the Neolth digital platform
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Participants will be sent email reminders about engagement
Week 8:
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Complete two relaxation practices and one on-demand video on the Neolth digital platform
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Post-Study Program Survey (10 minutes) to be completed at the end of week 8
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Live Virtual Closing Celebration: Comedy, Prize Drawing & Thank You (optional)
The Women Behind The Study
The Mindset and Metastatic Cancer Research Study has been created by Saranne Rothberg, a stage IV cancer survivor and founder of The ComedyCures Foundation, in collaboration with Dr. Katherine Grill, PhD and Dr. Claire Wheeler, MD, PhD of Neolth, a digital mental health platform. This study has been made possible by a grant from The Willow Foundation, founded by cancer survivor Leah Evert and Janine Klein.
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ComedyCures Study Support Team
Clinical Nurse: Ilene Lasky Klein RN, MSN
Survivor Liaison: Sara Jakob
Study Coordinator: Grace Lee
Live Event Volunteer: Mariette Warner