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.

Effect of Exercise on Cardiovascular Fitness and Quality of Life Outcomes in Advanced Breast Cancer Patients

The Breast ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 36 ◽  
pp. S71-S72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo Oliveira ◽  
Jose Soares ◽  
Andre Seabra ◽  
Sofia Magalhaes ◽  
Sara Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Advanced Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cardiovascular Fitness ◽  
Advanced Breast ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Life Outcomes ◽  
Quality Of Life Outcomes

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 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]

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