EFFECT OF A BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP ON DISTRESS AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF METASTATIC CANCER PATIENTS

The Breast ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 48 ◽  
pp. S66
Author(s):  
Chioma Asuzu ◽  
Akin-Odanye Elizabeth ◽  
Michael Asuzu ◽  
Melissa Henry ◽  
Maggie Watson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Metastatic Cancer ◽  
Cancer Support ◽  
Cancer Support Group

scholarly journals Impact of Support Group Intervention on Quality of Life of Patients With Advanced Breast Cancer

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 109s-109s
Author(s):  
V. Okwor ◽  
K. Nwankwo ◽  
P. Obidiebube ◽  
N. Lasebikan ◽  
C. Okwor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Advanced Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Advanced Breast ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Support

Background: Health-related quality of life is an important end point in breast cancer care. Assessing quality of life in breast cancer patients could contribute to improved treatment outcome and could even serve as monitor along with medical parameters. The need for psychosocial support is well established among breast cancer patients with levels of psychological distress and depression, particularly after diagnosis and treatment. Cancer support helps patients to cope with cancer by adjusting their attitudes, knowledge, and expectation about the disease. Aim: To determine the impact of support group intervention on quality of life of patients with advanced breast cancer To create awareness, educate, counsel and support as well as to mediate in the weaknesses of the medical care system in dealing with breast cancer patients. Methods: A prospective cohort study involving breast cancer patients using a system of breast cancer support group that organizes a two month period meeting for all breast patients in University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu. Educational information on breast cancer, nutritional needs, exercise and the need for regular follow-up in breast cancer care were given to them as well as the means of overcoming the psychosocial burden in cancer. QOL assessment evaluating the four domains (physical, social, psychological and environmental) on selected patients with advanced breast cancer using WHO BREF was administered. Results: A total of 113 breast cancer patients were involved in this study. At the end of the intervention, 14 women (12.4%) were censored due to death, while postassessment was carried out for only 99 women. Postintervention analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation between availability of social support to respondents (FS score) and the four quality of life domains ( P < 0.05). Further analysis also showed that respondents' quality of life significantly increased across all domains at postintervention ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients receiving support group intervention all had improved quality of life.

scholarly journals QUALITY OF LIFE IN WOMEN AFTER MASTECTOMY. CLINICAL AND SOCIAL STUDY

2021 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 429-435
Author(s):  
Włodzisław Kuliński ◽  
Michał Kosno
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Limb Function ◽  
Upper Limb Function ◽  
Cancer Support ◽  
Cancer Support Group

The aim: To assess the quality of life in women after mastectomy. Materials and methods: The study included 25 women after mastectomy. The patients were aged 31 to over 50 years and were members of a breast cancer support group at the Holy Cross Cancer Centre in Kielce. During group meetings, the patients underwent rehabilitation and worked with psychologists and social workers. Results: Most women after mastectomy who underwent breast reconstruction or wore breast prostheses reported a better quality of life. Mastectomy affects ipsilateral upper limb function and causes difficulty with activities of daily living, such as cleaning, cooking, brushing hair, bathing, and dressing. Conclusions: 1. All women who rated their health as poor experienced such negative emotions as sadness, low mood, dejection. 2. Mastectomy affects ipsilateral upper limb function. 3. Breast reconstruction after mastectomy improves patient-rated quality of life. 4. Pain in the ipsilateral upper limb is considerably more common in women with a limited range of motion. 5. All women who participated in breast cancer support group meetings found support there and the time they spent together resulted in an improved quality of life.

Breast Cancer Knowledge and Quality of Life Among Participants of a Breast Cancer Support Group in Rural Ruwanda

The Breast ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 36 ◽  
pp. S36
Author(s):  
Thomas Albert Ndaysaba ◽  
Vedaste Hategekimana ◽  
Hildegarde Mukasakindi ◽  
Alexandra Fehr ◽  
Egide Mpanumusingo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Cancer Knowledge ◽  
Cancer Support ◽  
Cancer Support Group ◽  
Breast Cancer Knowledge

Anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients before and after participation in a cancer support group

2001 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 195-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Montazeri ◽  
Soghra Jarvandi ◽  
Shahpar Haghighat ◽  
Mariam Vahdani ◽  
Akram Sajadian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Support ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Cancer Support Group

scholarly journals MetaPink Program: Simplifying the Breast Cancer Journey for Patients With Advanced Stage Breast Cancer in Nigeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 170s-170s
Author(s):  
E. Nwankwo
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Metastatic Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Metastatic Breast ◽  
Advanced Stage ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Management

Background and context: Breast cancer is the number one diagnosed cancer in Nigeria. 75% of these breast cancer diagnosis are at stage 3 and 4. This is due in part to lack of awareness of the signs and symptoms, inadequate screening and diagnostic facilities, insufficient policies and guidelines, and fear. Metastatic breast cancer patients do not have the time nor the strength to deal with the stress, delay, and confusion of trying to find adequate care. Run For a Cure Africa (RFCA) wishes to establish a program that helps navigate metastatic breast cancer patients in Lagos state, and surrounding states in Nigeria toward breast cancer care and resources. Aim: The MetaPink program empowers and educates patients with advanced stage breast cancer by providing them with timely and relevant information and resources on their disease and how they, the patient, can improve their quality of life and overall prognosis. Additionally, RFCA creates greater awareness of metastatic breast cancer in the community and the necessity for regular screenings. Strategy/Tactics: This project is being implemented by RFCA. RFCA is working work with the health care professionals (HCP) in the oncology and community health department at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in addition to their organization mentors, The Rose Foundation in Houston, Texas. RFCA is also working with community associations, drama troupes, and groups to create sensitization in hard to access areas. Patients and participants of the MetaPink program have a support team, through the monthly support group, with whom they fellowship, ask advice, gain insight, and just off load any looming concerns. Program/Policy process: RFCA enrolls metastatic patients through our supported clinics, call ins, and our screening outreaches. Each patient enrolled in the program gets a starter pack. RFCA hosts monthly support groups and Q&A sessions anchored by medical professionals, RFCA also hosts community outreach events via the radio, market drama skits, and musical awareness presentations. Periodically we follow-up and communicate with MetaPink program participants via MetaPink WhatsApp, telephone, in-person meetings/visits, and support group meetings. Outcomes: The objective of the MetaPink program is to simplify the breast cancer journey for metastatic breast cancer patients in Nigeria and give them the emotional support and confidence to understand and navigate through their personal breast cancer journey. RFCA also creates larger community awareness of advanced stage breast cancer in a method that is culturally appealing and resonates with the environment. What was learned: As the program progresses, RFCA will learn how to effectively navigate patients in this resource-poor environment. This will contribute to their quality of life and improved breast cancer management in Nigeria. [Figure: see text]

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: AN ADVOCACY AND PEER NAVIGATION TOOL FOR METASTATIC BREAST CANCER PATIENTS

The Breast ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 48 ◽  
pp. S37-S38
Author(s):  
Mary-Gloria Anulika Orji ◽  
Runcie C.W. Chidebe ◽  
Khadijat Banwo-Fatai ◽  
Tochukwu C. Orjiakor
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Metastatic Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Metastatic Breast ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Support ◽  
Navigation Tool ◽  
Cancer Support Group ◽  
Peer Navigation

scholarly journals From Diagnosis to Survivorship: Using Cancer Support Group as an Advocacy and Support Platform for Cancer Care in Nigeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 246s-246s
Author(s):  
M.-G. Orji ◽  
R.C.W. Chidebe ◽  
C. Igbokwe ◽  
K. Banwo-Fatai ◽  
B.S. Adesoye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Cancer Control ◽  
Orthodox Medicine ◽  
Cancer Support ◽  
Cancer Support Group ◽  
The Impact

Background and context: Cancer diagnosis comes with a lot of challenges. It is a huge burden to the patient, family, and community; subjecting them to financial crisis, emotional distress, dearth of self-esteem, and physiologic deformations. From a patient's perspective, treatment of cancer is complex and complicated with the weak healthcare system, attitude of healthcare workers, lack of insurance, lack of trust to orthodox medicine and stigmatization. Cancer patients are constantly seeking solace, people to listen to them and people who understand their state of mind and can be a source of inspiration. Studies have shown that peer cancer support group results in psychological benefit and improve relationships. The 2016 World Cancer Congress patient's pavilion inspired us to start up a cancer support group for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers known as Abuja Breast Cancer Support Group (ABC-SG). The cancer support was primarily founded for only breast cancer patient, survivor, caregivers and for peer support; as at today the group has transited from being patient group to also being an advocacy group with a number of activities and programs aimed at propelling all cancer patients from diagnosis to survivorship. Aim: To disseminate impact of establishing a breast cancer support group in Abuja and how it has helped cancer patients/survivors inspire each other while engaging policymakers to make cancer control a national health priority in Nigeria. Strategy/Tactics: The study reviewed the 1-year activities of the ABC-SG and surveyed the impact of the peer support to the 36 members of the group. Program/Policy process: As part of Project PINK BLUE SPARC MBC activities, ABC-SG was supported in different activities and programs targeted at peer support and policy change advocacy. Outcomes: The cancer support group have become a point of networking and inspiration for several patients and survivors; hence, more cancer patients are beginning to come out from their closest to identify with the support and make their diagnosis public. What was learned: There is an improvement in psychological states of patients and their physiologic understanding of their diagnosis by meeting together, networking, and interaction through social media. Our qualitative finding also showed that cancer patients needs platforms to speak out, to advocate and to change the course of cancer care if provided with all the necessary training and support.

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