Are you a breast cancer survivor experiencing depression?
Researchers at the Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning (PILL), in partnership with the University of Sheffield, are studying which types of mental health support work best for women with breast cancer who are experiencing depression. In Pakistan, culturally appropriate options for this kind of support are limited, and this study aims to change that.
If you're interested in taking part, click below to find out if you're eligible.
Who can take part?
Who can take part?
You may be eligible to take part if you:
Are a woman aged 18 or over
Have been diagnosed with breast cancer and have at least started initial treatment (surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy)
Are currently experiencing symptoms of depression
Are based in Pakistan
If you're interested in taking part, click below to get started.
What's Involved
Are you a breast cancer survivor experiencing depression?
After joining, you'll be placed into one of two groups:
Mental health care programme: A six-week guided self-help group led by trained health workers. Depending on how your symptoms progress, you may continue with further mental health support, including medication, for up to 30 months
Usual care group: A booklet to support your emotional wellbeing, plus a booklet for your family members
Both groups will have follow-up meetings with the research team at weeks 6, 18, 30, and 48. Some participants may also be invited to take part in an optional interview (up to 60 minutes) about their experience of the programme.
Research meetings will be held at a healthcare facility or research office.
Researchers at the Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning (PILL), in partnership with the University of Sheffield, are studying which types of mental health support work best for women with breast cancer who are experiencing depression. In Pakistan, culturally appropriate options for this kind of support are limited, and this study aims to change that.
If you're interested in taking part, click below to find out if you're eligible.
What's Involved
After joining, you'll be placed into one of two groups:
Mental health care programme: A six-week guided self-help group led by trained health workers. Depending on how your symptoms progress, you may continue with further mental health support, including medication, for up to 30 months
Usual care group: A booklet to support your emotional wellbeing, plus a booklet for your family members
Both groups will have follow-up meetings with the research team at weeks 6, 18, 30, and 48. Some participants may also be invited to take part in an optional interview (up to 60 minutes) about their experience of the programme.
Research meetings will be held at a healthcare facility or research office.
Compensation for your time
You will be reimbursed 1,500 PKR for your time and travel for each assessment visit, and up to 1,500 PKR for travel to in-person sessions if you take part in the mental health programme.
Compensation for your time
You will be reimbursed 1,500 PKR for your time and travel for each assessment visit, and up to 1,500 PKR for travel to in-person sessions if you take part in the mental health programme.
Compensation for your time
You will be reimbursed 1,500 PKR for your time and travel for each assessment visit, and up to 1,500 PKR for travel to in-person sessions if you take part in the mental health programme.
Compensation for your time
You will be reimbursed 1,500 PKR for your time and travel for each assessment visit, and up to 1,500 PKR for travel to in-person sessions if you take part in the mental health programme.
Compensation for your time
You will be reimbursed 1,500 PKR for your time and travel for each assessment visit, and up to 1,500 PKR for travel to in-person sessions if you take part in the mental health programme.
We want to hear from you
We want to hear from you
Depression affects many breast cancer survivors, yet accessible, culturally appropriate support remains scarce in Pakistan. Your participation could help improve care for women across the country.
If you're interested in taking part, click below to get started.
Depression affects many breast cancer survivors, yet accessible, culturally appropriate support remains scarce in Pakistan. Your participation could help improve care for women across the country.
If you're interested in taking part, click below to get started.
This study has been reviewed and approved by the National Bioethics Committee, Pakistan and the Ethics Committee of the University of Sheffield. Funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) [NIHR205561]. For questions, contact Rabia Fahad at rabia.sattar@pill.org.pk or call (92-21) 35871845.
This study has been reviewed and approved by the National Bioethics Committee, Pakistan and the Ethics Committee of the University of Sheffield. Funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) [NIHR205561]. For questions, contact Rabia Fahad at rabia.sattar@pill.org.pk or call (92-21) 35871845.
All rights reserved. Copyright 2026.
All rights reserved. Copyright 2026.
