Community-based Peer Support Programs to Improve Quality of Life for Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review

Abstract

In Japan, it is estimated that 1.52 million people need cancer treatment [1], and the period of survival for those affected by cancer has been increasing [2]. Baxter et al. [3] reported that cancer treatments have been saving lives. However, survivors were often left with residual physical and psychosocial complications that prevented them from fully engaging in their everyday lives. These complications subsequently result in a compromised quality of life (QOL). Furthermore, the number of cancer patients who receive treatment or die at home is expected to increase because of policies such as the shortening of the admission period and promoting home medical care [4].Many cancer patients undergo chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery; experience side effects and complications from these treatments; and often live in the community with cancer recurrence, financial uncertainty, and pain. For the reasons mentioned above, it is presumed that a cancer survivor may find it difficult to perform well in daily life after discharged from the hospital. Peer support is one of the most effective supports in such cases. Peer support can be defined as the process of giving and receiving nonprofessional, nonclinical assistance from individuals with similar conditions or circumstances to achieve long-term recovery [5]. Furthermore, peer supporters often work with patients and/ or healthcare providers to address system-level barriers, such as fragmented care, financial constraints, other