Design of a Mindfulness intervention to reduce risk factors for colorectal cancer among at-risk Black women in Chicago

Chronic stress can directly and indirectly promote carcinogenesis through immune, metabolic, and microbial pathways. Our overarching hypothesis is that reducing chronic stress will have important implications for colorectal cancer (CRC) risk reduction among vulnerable and high-risk populations. A promising approach for reducing chronic stress is Mindfulness. Mindfulness is a meditation-based technique that achieves a state of mind that is used to experience higher awareness or consciousness. Existing small studies suggest Mindfulness can positively regulate stress response in a way that translates to anti-cancer effects, including reduced systemic inflammation. We propose to evaluate an 8-week Mindfulness intervention delivered in a hybrid format (synchronous and asynchronous sessions) among 40 Black women at elevated risk of CRC who reside in vulnerable communities and who report moderate to high perceived stress. At baseline and post-intervention, participants will provide blood, hair, and stool, undergo body composition analysis, and complete mood and lifestyle-related surveys. The specific aims are to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and explore changes on stress, weight, fasting glucose, inflammation markers, and the gut microbiota - risk markers and risk pathways associated with CRC. The data generated through this project will inform if Mindfulness is a feasible option for CRC risk reduction among high-risk individuals.