You are offered the opportunity to participate in a research study entitled:

Framing Critical Health Messages on Exercise for Women Living with Lymphoedema

Breast Cancer Action Ottawa has been selected to host a research study conducted by the University of Ottawa. The study will be conducted by Karen Chun, (an M.A. Human Kinetics candidate), under the supervision of Professor Eileen O’Connor (Ph. D), from the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa.

Purpose of the Study

The link between regular exercise and good health is well established. In the case of chronic illness or disease, however, the level and intensity of recommended exercise relates to the nature of the illness, the patient’s health and strength, as well as the level of integrated health care they receive. In the case of an understudied condition such as lymphoedema in women, the integration of exercise into a treatment program is impacted by a dearth of knowledge on the health problem, as well as conflicting understandings on risks communicated by a team of health practitioners. The focus of this research study is divided into 2 parts: the concern with difficulties in framing lymphoedema and the impact of exercise on the management of symptoms.

Benefits

By learning about women’s experiences with exercise and lymphoedema management, the study’s findings will contribute to an increased understanding of the empirical processes that underlie the communication, reception, and understanding of health messages within the management of lymphoedema. Furthermore, the findings will reveal the barriers to a successful integration of exercise and physical activity as a component of lymphoedema management, as well as provide insight on the ways in which the issue could be addressed with the goal to stimulate further research in this understudied area.

Interviews

You are invited to participate in a one-on-one interview, which will take place on site at Breast Cancer Action (at the BCA location of your choice) in the winter of 2010. Interviews should last 45-60 minutes. You will be invited to answer questions about your experiences with lymphoedema and your views on exercise as a means of symptom management for lymphoedema.

Participation and Withdrawal

You can choose whether or not you wish to participate in this study. If you volunteer to be in this study, please read and complete the attached questionnaire and consent form. You may withdraw at any time without consequences of any kind. You may also refuse to answer any questions you do not wish to answer, and exercise the option of removing your data from the study.

The current study has been reviewed and received ethics approval by the University of Ottawa Research Ethics Board.

If you have any questions, please contact the Protocol Officer for Ethics in Research, University of Ottawa, 550 Cumberland Street, Room 159, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, (613) 562-5841 or ethics@uottawa.ca.

Study Contact Information

Karen Chun: (613) 252-7783
Dr. Eileen O’Connor (613) 562-5800 ext. 2443

Consent Form