What is DUET?
Cancer survivors and people who are overweight or obese are at higher risk for many health conditions including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Eating better, exercising and getting to a healthy weight are lifestyle behaviors that may help you avoid these health issues – but we don’t know for sure.
We also do not know the best way to make sure people follow these healthy lifestyles – particularly cancer survivors. The DUET study will help us understand if cancer survivors who participate in online healthy eating and exercise programs, along with their chosen partners, are better able to make these important lifestyle changes.
The DUET study will start us on the way to finding out some answers.
Research leading to DUET
Previous research shows that being physically active, eating well, and reducing weight for those who need to, have many health benefits such as slowing down the aging process, building strength and stamina and reducing, stress, anxiety and even depression.
Research studies conducted by the DUET team have shown that lifestyle interventions can improve quality of life for CANCER survivors. These studies included RENEW, SURVIVORSHINE and DAMES.
RENEW was a home-based healthy-eating and exercise program. After taking part in the program, survivors ate more fruits and vegetables and improved their physical function. Also, most survivors lost weight while in the program.
SURVIVORSHINE is an online learning tool developed for cancer survivors who want to learn about healthy weight recommendations and lifestyle behaviors needed for optimal health.
DAMES was a healthy lifestyle program for mothers with breast cancer and their biological daughters. The women who took part in the study made important changes in their diet and exercise behaviors while most lost weight.
What you need to know to participate
During this 6-month study, you will be asked to allow our study staff to assess your health status during 2 home- or community-based visits and 3 surveys that we will ask you to complete online.
If you participate, you will receive online information and support program designed to help you eat healthier and exercise more.
What will you get from participating in DUET?
DUET study participants will receive:
- A free online program to learn to eat better and exercise more
- Information and support from experts who have worked for decades on improving the lives of cancer survivors
- Free Fitbit, Wi-Fi scale and more to help you exercise and eat better
- A few extra $$
- Knowledge that you are helping to improve the lives of others