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.

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

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 3) ◽  
pp. 32s-32s
Author(s):  
Gloria M. Orji ◽  
Runcie C.W. Chidebe ◽  
Chuks Igbokwe ◽  
Khadijat Banwo-Fatai ◽  
Swatkasa Gimba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Cancer Support ◽  
Cancer Support Groups ◽  
Cancer Support Group

Purpose Cancer diagnosis comes with many challenges. Diagnosis is a huge burden to the patient, family, and community that subjects them to financial crisis, emotional distress, a dearth of self-esteem, and physiologic deformations. From a patient’s perspective, the treatment of cancer is complex and complicated with a weak health care system, attitude of health care workers, lack of insurance, lack of trust in orthodox medicine, and stigmatization. Patients with cancer 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 groups result in psychological benefit and improve relationships. The 2016 World Cancer Congress patient’s pavilion inspired us to start cancer support group for patients with cancers, survivors, and caregivers, known as the Abuja Breast Cancer Support Group, through the Union for International Cancer Control SPARC Metastatic Breast Cancer Challenge project. The cancer support group was primarily founded for only patients with breast cancer, survivors, caregivers, and for peer support. As of today the group has transitioned from being a patient group to also being an advocacy group with a number of activities and programs that are aimed at guiding all patients with cancer from diagnosis to survivorship. Methods This study reviewed the 1 year activities of the Abuja Breast Cancer Support Group and surveyed the impact of peer support on the 36 members of the group using a mixed-methods approach. Results Cancer support groups have the potential to revolutionize cancer care in sub-Saharan Africa, as we have seen with HIV/AIDs support groups. Use of technological tools is helpful to build connectedness. Conclusion There was an improvement in the psychological states of patients as well as in their physiologic understanding of their diagnosis by meeting together, networking, and interacting through a WhatsApp group. Our qualitative findings also indicate that patients with cancer need platforms through which to speak out, to advocate, and to change the course of cancer care if provided with the necessary training and support. AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The following represents disclosure information provided by authors of this manuscript. All relationships are considered compensated. Relationships are self-held unless noted. I = Immediate Family Member, Inst = My Institution. Relationships may not relate to the subject matter of this manuscript. For more information about ASCO's conflict of interest policy, please refer to www.asco.org/rwc or ascopubs.org/jco/site/ifc . No COIs from the authors.

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

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

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 Dampak Kanker Payudara dan Pengobatannya Terhadap Aspek Bio-psiko-spiritual Klien yang Berpartisipasi Dalam Kelompok Pendukung

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elly Nurachmah
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Social Relationship ◽  
Spiritual Values ◽  
Group Program ◽  
Cancer Support ◽  
Cancer Support Group ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Impact

Penelitian fenomenologis ini telah mengkaji aspek bio-psiko-sosio-spiritual klien pengidap kanker payudara yang tengah mendapatkan pengobatan. Data kualitatif dalam bentuk catatan lapangan telah dikumpulkan selama pelaksanaan program kelompok pendukung. Maksud penelitian ini adalah untuk mendapatkan pemahaman yang mendalam tentang bagaimana wanita Indonesia yang mengidap kanker payudara merasakan pengalaman yang kompleks, sangat interpersonal, dan dinamis. Latar belakang pemikiran dari penelitian ini didasari oleh pengertian bahwa untuk mendapatkan pengetahuan tentang sesuatu akan menjadi sia-sia dan hamper tidak mungkin tanpa menerangkan pengalaman individu sebagaimana adanya ketika dialami dan sebagaimana diterangkan oleh individu itu secara langsung (Polit, 1996). Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengkaji dampak kanker payudara dan pengobatannya terhadap aspek (a) fisiologis, (b) keseimbangan psikologis, (c) hubungan klien dengan orang lain, (d) nilai-nilai spiritual, dan (e) kualitas kehidupan keseharian klien. Subyek penelitian terdiri dari 87 wanita dengan diagnosa kanker payudara yang menghadiri kelompok pendukung. Hasil analisa kualitatif berasal dari analisis isi komentar dan pernyataan subyek selama mengikuti kegiatan kelompok pendukung telah mendapatkan lima kategori thema yaitu: ketidak-mampuan fisiologis (physiological incapability), ketidak-seimbangan psikologis (psychological disequilibrium), perilaku negatif dalam hubungan social (social relationship misbehavior), disparitas nilai-nilai spiritual )spiritual values disparity), dan kehidupan bersemangat (life of courage). Setiap penyataan dinilai dan diinterpretasikan menjadi thema, kelompok thema, kategori thema. Kesimpulan hasil riset telah menunjukkan bahwa partisipasi kelompok dalam kelompok pendukung telah menolong mereka untuk membentuk perasaan positif tentang diri mereka sendiri dan meningkatkan kemampuan mereka dalam berkomunikasi dengan pasangan hidup dan anggota keluarga lainnya. This phenemonological study explored bio psycho social spiritual aspects of Indonesian women with breast cancer who were having therapy. A qualitative data in a form of field notes was obtained during the course of the support group program. The main objective was to have a deeper and richer understanding on how Indonesian women with breast cancer made sense of an experience that was complex, interpersonal, and dynamic. The premise was that gaining knowledge would be impossible without describing human experience as it was defined by the persons themselves (Polit, 1996). The purpose of the study was to explore the impact of breast cancer and its treatment on their (a) physiological aspects, (b) physiological equilibrium, (c) relationship with others, (d) spiritual values, and quality of daily living. Eighty seven subject who joined the support group for women with breast cancer participated in the study. The result of qualitative analysis which were extracted from the significant statements and comments made by the subject during the course of the breast cancer support group for women with breast cancer participated in the study. The result of qualitative analysis which were extracted from the significant statements and comments made by the subject during the course of the breast cancer support group program identified five theme categories : physiological incapability, physiological disequilibrium, social relationship misbehavior, spiritual values disparity, and life of courage. Each statement was examined and interpreted in relation to themes, theme group, and theme categories. The result of the study concluded that group participation had helped them to have positive feelings about themselves and improved their communication skills with their spouses and other family members.

Communication Between Physicians and Older Women With Localized Breast Cancer: Implications for Treatment and Patient Satisfaction

2002 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 1008-1016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenchi Liang ◽  
Caroline B. Burnett ◽  
Julia H. Rowland ◽  
Neal J. Meropol ◽  
Lynne Eggert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Treatment Choice ◽  
Satisfaction With Care ◽  
Physician Communication ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Actual Treatment ◽  
The Impact

PURPOSE: To identify factors associated with patient-physician communication and to examine the impact of communication on patients’ perception of having a treatment choice, actual treatment received, and satisfaction with care among older breast cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected from 613 pairs of surgeons and their older (≥ 67 years) patients diagnosed with localized breast cancer. Measures of patients’ self-reported communication included physician- and patient-initiated communication and the number of treatment options discussed. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between communication and outcomes. RESULTS: Patients who reported that their surgeons mentioned more treatment options were 2.21 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.62 to 3.01) more likely to report being given a treatment choice, and 1.33 times (95% CI, 1.02 to 1.73) more likely to get breast-conserving surgery with radiation than other types of treatment. Surgeons who were trained in surgical oncology, or who treated a high volume of breast cancer patients (≥ 75% of practice), were more likely to initiate communication with patients (odds ratio [OR] = 1.62; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.56; and OR = 1.68; 95% CI, 1.01 to 2.76, respectively). A high degree of physician-initiated communication, in turn, was associated with patients’ perception of having a treatment choice (OR = 2.46; 95% CI, 1.29 to 4.70), and satisfaction with breast cancer care (OR = 2.13; 95% CI, 1.17 to 3.85) in the 3 to 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Greater patient-physician communication was associated with a sense of choice, actual treatment, and satisfaction with care. Technical information and caring components of communication impacted outcomes differently. Thus, the quality of cancer care for older breast cancer patients may be improved through interventions that improve communication within the physician-patient dyad.

Online interaction. Effects of storytelling in an internet breast cancer support group

2005 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 211-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mette Terp Høybye ◽  
Christoffer Johansen ◽  
Tine Tjørnhøj-Thomsen
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Interaction Effects ◽  
Online Interaction ◽  
Cancer Support ◽  
Cancer Support Group

scholarly journals Breast Cancer Support Group at Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 178s-178s
Author(s):  
S. Nyagabona ◽  
F. Rubagumya ◽  
A. Longombe ◽  
A. Manirakiza ◽  
T. Maniragaba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Cancer Education ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Support

Background and context: Breast cancer is a common type of cancer among women worldwide, with about 2 million new cases diagnosed in the yearly. It is the second common cancer and leading cause of cancer mortality among women in Tanzania, after cervical cancer. More than 70% of breast cancer patients in developed countries are diagnosed at early stages, whereas in low and middle-income countries, only 20%–60% of patients are diagnosed early. Physician in developed countries consults on average 15-20 breast cancer patients daily, while in developing countries the number triples. This high load does not allow a treating physician to spend ample time with patients explaining hence leaving patients not informed about their diagnosis, side effects of treatments and even living with the physical, emotional and psychological challenges of their disease. Residents at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI), initiated a patient support group targeting breast cancer patients for feasibility. Aim: Provide forum for patients with same diagnosis to share common challenges Provide peer emotional, psychosocial support and cancer education Organize activities that will help to spread awareness to the community Initiate projects to improve socioeconomic status of breast cancer survivors in Tanzania Strategy/Tactics: Involved the ORCI administration from the beginning Involved the academic and research unit of ORCI Residents prepared session curriculum and teaching materials Sessions took place once a month Sessions were two hours long divided into three components, where the first is introduction of participants, then survivors led discussions or lectures prepared by an expert in the topic and lastly closing remarks by a physician Breakfast was provided Program/Policy process: Open membership for all breast cancer patients Physician lead face to face peer discussions Institutional acknowledgment of the support group Provision of primary registry of patients for follow-up Provision of a link to other social organizations Outcomes: Increase knowledge of cancer in general and breast cancer in particular A total of seven sessions were held to date For each session, participation ranged from 30-50 breast cancer survivors, and on average attendance was 4 sessions out of 7 Topics covered over a period of seven months included Coping with a cancer diagnosis and treatment Living with cancer and its changes to daily life Exercise Nutrition Breast cancer general knowledge Collaboration with other stake holders including IST secondary school students who initiated breast prosthesis knitting club What was learned: A need to reach out and give psycho-social support to ORCI patients Through education we can improve treatment adherence Possible partners are available if we reach out Exist a need to address misconceptions in the community so as to avoid stigma to patients.

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