UTSA Ph.D. candidate tackles the psychology of breast cancer

Because advances in breast cancer therapies and detection have improved survival rates over the years, researchers like Rosen are now focusing on quality of life in patients.

“Until now, there has been almost no research on using technology to enhance the quality of life of breast cancer patients by using mindfulness, or being aware of sensations and emotions, but not judging those things,” Rosen said.

The app is used as a training module, allowing users to participate in several exercises, including logging their feelings and doing breathing exercises.

Breast cancer patients an often go through cycles of depression and anxiety after their diagnosis, Rosen said.

“Body image issues can come up when someone’s been diagnosed with breast cancer,” she said. “Issues with intimacy and even issues with interpersonal relationships can be a problem.”

Patients who find ways to work through these emotions tend to have a better quality of life, Rosen added.

This innovative research Rosen is conducting was one of the reasons she was named The Graduate School’s Outstanding Graduate Student Research Scholarship last spring.

“When I first started, there was almost no research on this. Researchers were saying we needed more research on this. And now I get to be a part of it,” Rosen said.