Recruitment and retention challenges in breast cancer survivorship research: results from a multisite, randomized intervention trial in women with early stage breast cancer.

The Moving Beyond Cancer trial is a multisite randomized, controlled trial of an individualized psychoeducational intervention for women with early stage breast cancer. Recruitment early in the cancer trajectory and assessment of retention at multiple points are notable features of the research, offering a unique opportunity to examine recruitment, retention, and predictors of participation. Patients were registered for the study within 6 weeks after definitive surgery and followed until primary medical treatment completion, whereupon they were enrolled, administered baseline measures, and randomized to one of three arms. Of 2,242 women referred, 41% were ineligible. Of eligible women, 42% elected participation through the point of randomization (n = 558). Participants did not differ from nonparticipants on initial self-reported physical functioning and mental health status, employment status, cancer history, cancer treatment plan, or previous cancer-related research participation. Women who were over 65 years of age, of racial minority status, unmarried, or less educated were less likely to participate through the point of randomization. Thus, several patient characteristics predicted trial participation, indicating the need for targeted recruitment attempts.