or scientific and medical advances in cancer research, clinical trials play an essential role in the comparative evaluation to determine which new therapies will become part of established clinical treatment or prevention strategies (Meinert, 1996). Although the small decline in the rate of new cancer cases and cancer deaths between 1990 to 1996 (Wingo et al., 1999) is encouraging, the fact that enrollment in cancer clinical trials has remained 90 Despite advances in cancer research, accrual of cancer patients or participants to clinical trials, as a treatment or prevention option, has remained low, hindering both research progress and patient access to potentially beneficial therapy. As one response, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the NCI-supported Cancer Information Service, partnered with the Oncology Nursing Society, the Association of Oncology Social Work, and Novartis Oncology, to implement the NCI's Cancer Clinical Trials Education Program (CCTEP) for health professionals, using a "train-the-trainer" approach. From June 1997-June 1999, approximately 300 "charter" trainees completed the training program and presented programs for over 1,500 participants. Evaluation efforts are ongoing. The CCTEP was developed and is being implemented within a collaborative partnership model, insuring a broad reach to health professionals, patients and the public. The use of this partnership model for a far-reaching educational effort can be adapted by other program planners.
Support groups for patients with cancer have been shown to be an effective modality in helping patients and families cope with the stresses inherent in diagnosis and treatment. All groups seek to foster an increased sense of control and mastery, although they may vary in style and content. They may be psychological, educational, or psychoeducational. They can be professionally led, peer led, or cofacilitated. Groups may also be open ended or time limited. An informal peer‐oriented format or group psychotherapy model may be followed. The various formats are useful, because patients and family members have specific needs based on unique styles of coping.
These various group formats as well as their objectives, goals, and usefulness are explored. The effect that group support has on quality of life, including reduction of anxiety and depression, is discussed. Primary focus is on the “Us Too” program. The authors have coordinated a very successful chapter of this professionally cofacilitated psychoeducational peer support program at Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center. Cancer 1995;75:1892–6.
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