Time-Restricted Eating in Survivors Trial (TEST)
Overview
TEST will enroll women with a history of stage I, II, III breast cancer who are 60+ years old and have completed chemotherapy treatment 1 to 15 years earlier to compare the effects of healthy eating to a type of intermittent fasting called ‘time-restricted eating’ over 16 weeks. This study is being federally funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The study is being conducted by University of Toronto Professor Dr. Amy Kirkham, who studies the use of lifestyle therapies including diet to improve women's health in general, but with a specific focus on breast cancer survivors.
Study Goals
Following healthy eating patterns can affect health in many positive ways. A new diet approach, a type of intermittent fasting called ‘Time-Restricted Eating’, has recently become popular in the media and the general public. TRE involves eating only during specific hours of the day (e.g., eating for 8 hours, such as from 11 am to 7 pm) and then only drinking water/black coffee/tea outside those hours for the rest of the day. However, the available research on the effects of TRE on health has not produced strong enough evidence to know if and how well it works. Some people consider it a ‘fad’ diet. This study will compare the effects of ‘Time-Restricted Eating’ to the effects of healthy eating on risk factors for heart, brain, and physical health problems. The study will help to determine if this eating pattern is something that doctors should recommend to women who have survived breast cancer.
Eligibility
- Female, age 60+
- Stage I–III breast cancer diagnosis
- Completed chemotherapy 1–15 years ago
- No specific diet in past 3 months
- Own a Bluetooth-enabled mobile device with texting
🔗 Additional screening questions in the survey link below.
What’s Involved?
- Random assignment to be randomly assigned (like with the flip of a die) to one of two groups for 16 weeks: 1) healthy eating education or 2) time restricted eating and increasing protein intake
- Three on-campus assessments at baseline (shortly after joining the study), after 16 weeks, and after ~40-42 weeks
- In person assessments at the University of Toronto downtown campus.
- First two visits: ~4.5 hrs each; final visit: ~2 hrs (can split)
- The longer assessment can be broken up into 2 days if you prefer.
- Compensation up to $80 CAD for time & travel
- Bring a friend or family member if you like
Next Steps
Ready to learn more? Complete a brief online survey to check eligibility. If you qualify, you’ll provide your name, phone, and email, and a team member will follow up to discuss details and answer questions.