Study Background
Examining Menopause Effects Related to cAncer treatment through Longitudinal Data (EMERALD Study)
Some cancer patients can go through menopause because of their cancer treatments. This is called cancer treatment-induced menopause, or CTIM. Right now, CTIM is not well understood by researchers and physicians. EMERALD brings together a group of researchers and physicians to better understand CTIM: when it happens, what symptoms it causes, and how it affects people’s lives.
Why is this important?
Menopause caused by cancer treatment usually happens suddenly and can lead to a range of menopausal symptoms. For example hot flushes, trouble thinking clearly (brain fog), joint pain and mood changes. These symptoms tend to be stronger and occur faster than those in natural menopause.
EMERALD brings together a team of experts, led by Dr. May Lynn Quan, from different fields to work together to to better understand CTIM. Learn more about our team here.
About EMERALD
Who can take part in EMERALD?
You are eligible to take part in EMERALD if you are:
- Aged ≤ 45 years of age and under
- Recently diagnosed with stage I, II or III breast, ovarian, endometrial or cervical cancer
- Your cancer treatment has not started yet
- Are pre-menopausal (are having regular menstrual periods or on birth control that reduce or stop menstrual periods).
- Your cancer treatment plan includes one or more of the following:
-Chemotherapy
-Pelvic radiation
-Hormonal therapy (also called endocrine therapy)
-Surgery to remove both ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy).
As we are located at the University of Calgary, you also need to live in Calgary to be a part of EMERALD.
Will EMERALD change my treatment plan?
No, taking part in the EMERALD study will not change your cancer treatment plan.
What will I be asked to do?
If you choose to take part in EMERALD, you’ll be asked to complete a set of patient surveys and in-person assessments at three points.
- Before your treatment starts
- Mid-way through your treatment (about 3 months after joining the study)
- After your treatment ends (about 6 to 9 months after joining the study)
By treatment we mean your main surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
At each time-point you will be asked to complete:
- A series of questionnaires (online and in-person)
- Health-related fitness assessments (in-person)
- Cognitive testing (both online and in-person
- Physiological assessments such as bloodwork, and medical imaging (in-person)
When you agree to take part you will also agree for the study team to be able to access your medical records. This is so we can collect information related to your diagnosis, treatment and your health after your treatment.
Where will the in-person assessments take place?
The in-person assessments will take place at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre over 2 x 2-hour sessions. We may be able to arrange these on the same day, but may not always be possible due to space, staff and equipment availability.
How long will the study activities take?
The assessments will take about 4-5 hours in total at each time-point.
Study Sponsor and Funding
EMERALD is sponsored by the University of Calgary and is being funded by the Strategies in Precision Health for Breast Cancer (SPHERE) research program.
