Easing Scan Anxiety in Pediatric Oncology Caregivers Through Meditation-based Programs
A Mindfulness Approach to Scanxiety
Kimberley Roche
160 participants
Feb 1, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
"Scanxiety" is a term coined to describe anxiety related to imaging during cancer treatment and has not been robustly studied in pediatric oncology caregivers. Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a meditation-based program that offers a non-pharmacologic approach to managing stress. The main purposes of this study are two-fold: 1). to determine if scanxiety exists in the caregivers of pediatric oncology patients and 2.) if scanxiety is found, does the implementation of a mindfulness program help to improve caregiver anxiety related to imaging.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria7
- Able to understand spoken English and be able to read written English
- years of age or older
- Able to understand and willing to sign informed consent document
- Have access to a smart phone or tablet device that is able to receive texts
- Is a caregiver of any age oncology patient (including patients above 18 years of age)
- Caregiver of a patient that is scheduled for a routine scan (CT's, MRI's, PET scans) within the upcoming 3 months
- If assigned to the Phase 2 intervention group, willing and able to eat a raisin (a box of which will be mailed to home address)
Exclusion Criteria5
- Oncology patient is of adult age and caring for self
- Medically-diagnosed cognitive delay in caregiver (by self-disclosure in eligibility questionnaire)
- Upcoming scan is due to concern for relapse/disease recurrence and is urgent
- Upcoming scan is part of initial oncology work-up
- Any non-routine surveillance scan
Interventions
If Scanxiety was identified, patient's caregiver will receive the Mindful Module Caregiver Packet. The intervention group will receive the daily module on Days 1-7; Day 7 being the day before scan. At the end of the module (Day 7), they will be directed to two surveys (STAI and Feasibility of the Program).
Locations(1)
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NCT07420101