NCT03572374 · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Talking to Employers and Medical Staff About Breast Cancer Treatment and Your Job
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is learn more about how being treated for breast cancer affects patients' employment. Researchers are testing an early version of a mobile app designed to help breast cancer patients keep their jobs during and after treatment. The app provides advice for patients to use when having conversations about breast cancer with their employers and their doctors.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is learn more about how being treated for breast cancer affects patients' employment. Researchers are testing an early version of a mobile app designed to help breast cancer patients keep their jobs during and after treatment. The app provides advice for patients to use when having conversations about breast cancer with their employers and their doctors. The app is called TEAMWork (Talking to Employers And Medical staff about Work). In this study, the investigators are asking breast cancer patients who are about to receive treatment or who are currently receiving treatment to tell us what aspects of the app work well, so that they can learn how to improve it.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Patient Usability Testing Inclusion Criteria:
- History of a cancer diagnosis
- At least 18 years of age
- Male or Female
- The ability to give informed consent in English or Spanish
- Able to use and read a smartphone (iPhone or Android)
- Has a smartphone (iPhone or Android) Community Usability Testing Inclusion Criteria:
- At least 18 years of age
- Male or Female
- The ability to give informed consent in English or Spanish
- Able to use and read a smartphone (iPhone or Android)
- Has a smartphone (iPhone or Android) Focus Group and Interview Inclusion Criteria:
- Completed chemotherapy treatment for stage I-III breast cancer.
- Age 18 to 64 (inclusive)
- Paid employment (full time or part time) in the three months prior to diagnosis or at time of consent to MSK protocol #10-071 (PI: Blinder)
- The ability to give informed consent in English or Spanish
- Able to use and read a smartphone (iPhone or Android)
- Has a smartphone (iPhone or Android) For Cohort 2:
- Participants was covered by Emergency Medicaid at the time of diagnosis and/or at any point during their treatment for breast cancer RCT Inclusion Criteria:
- Localized invasive breast cancer (not stage 0 or stage IV) per EMR or breast cancer (not stage 0 or stage IV) per self-report for community participants
- If electronic medical record does not specify stage and patient is undergoing (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy, assume stage is I, II or III
- Planning to undergo or undergoing adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy per EMR or planning to undergo or undergo chemotherapy per self-report for community participants
- Age 18 to 64 (inclusive)
- Employment statue of (full time or part time) (those who are on disability leave/medical leave, and other unique employment circumstances at the PI's dicretion are eligible)
- Language preference as English or Spanish
- Able to use and read a smartphone or tablet (e.g. iPad, iPhone or Android)
- Has access to a smartphone or tablet (e.g. iPad, iPhone or Android)
Exclusion criteria
- RCT Exclusion Criteria:
- Stage 0 breast cancer (DCIS only)
- Stage IV (metastatic) breast cancer
- Recurrence with metastases of breast cancer
- Participants or family members who are participating in MSK IHCD studies related to social determinants of health
Where
- Basking Ridge, New Jersey
- Middletown, New Jersey
- Montvale, New Jersey
- Harrison, New York
- Jamaica, New York
- New York, New York
- The Bronx, New York
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 12, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations