Writing therapy eases breast cancer drug side effects, study finds
NCT ID NCT04651452
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a simple writing exercise about personal values could reduce physical symptoms and stress, and improve medication adherence in 250 breast cancer patients taking aromatase inhibitors. Participants wrote one essay per month for six months, either about their core values or a neutral topic. The study measured symptoms, stress, and medication use with electronic pill bottles.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Value affirmation writing tasks
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a simple, low-cost way to help breast cancer patients manage side effects and stick with their medication.
What could go wrong
This is a completed behavioral study, not a drug trial. The benefits may be small or not last long, and results may not apply to all patients.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States