Psychosocial Interventions in Cancer

What works in peer support for breast cancer survivors: A qualitative systematic review and meta‐ethnography

“…Our review clearly demonstrates that patients have a desire not only to feel emotionally supported but also to feel comfortable enough navigating the cancer experience and receiving the information they need related to the illness. Literature describes that women with BC often have unmet information needs and experience difficulties when communicating with healthcare professionals (Collie et al, 2005; Parker et al, 2009) and that emotional aspects and more disease‐specific information are the most demanded (Benedict et al, 2022; Ciria‐Suarez et al, 2022; PDQ Supportive and Palliative Care Editorial Board, 2015). It seems that achieving the right balance between information and emotional support is a core challenge as, on the one hand, patients appear to appreciate relevant illness information, but on the other hand, there is a risk that too much information reduces emotional connection and can contribute to increasing fears in PS users' experience.…”

“…breast cancer, meta-ethnography, oncology, peer support, systematic review BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer diagnosed in women globally with an estimated 2.3 million diagnoses and 685,000 deaths in 2020 (World Health Organization, 2021). A BC diagnosis may have significant impacts on physical, emotional, interpersonal, existential, and spiritual functioning (Benedict et al, 2022;Ochoa-Arnedo et al, 2020;Vila et al, 2020) in the diagnostic, treatment, and survivorship phases of the illness (Williams et al, 2018). Psychosocial treatment in oncology incorporates a diverse array of therapeutic approaches designed to help patients and their families adapt to diagnosis and treatment, manage treatment-related side effects, enhance adherence to treatment plans, and promote healthy behaviors (Benedict et al, 2022).…”

“…A BC diagnosis may have significant impacts on physical, emotional, interpersonal, existential, and spiritual functioning (Benedict et al, 2022; Ochoa‐Arnedo et al, 2020; Vila et al, 2020) in the diagnostic, treatment, and survivorship phases of the illness (Williams et al, 2018). Psychosocial treatment in oncology incorporates a diverse array of therapeutic approaches designed to help patients and their families adapt to diagnosis and treatment, manage treatment‐related side effects, enhance adherence to treatment plans, and promote healthy behaviors (Benedict et al, 2022). Psychosocial interventions are non‐pharmacological treatments that encompass a range of psychological and educational elements that include components, among others, from cognitive and behavioral coping strategies, cancer education/information sessions, existential therapy, relaxation training, and group social support (PDQ Supportive and Palliative Care Editorial Board, 2015).…”

Impact of connected health interventions on psychological wellbeing and quality of life in patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“… 5 , 6 Feelings of uncertainty, fear, or sadness resulting from diagnosis are associated with increased psychological distress, 7 which may interfere with coping strategies. 8 While effective management of symptoms can reduce distress, enhance coping, and improve QoL, 9 psychological wellbeing remains a top unmet need for people LWBC. 10 …”

“…5,6 Feelings of uncertainty, fear, or sadness resulting from diagnosis are associated with increased psychological distress, 7 which may interfere with coping strategies. 8 While effective management of symptoms can reduce distress, enhance coping, and improve QoL, 9 psychological wellbeing remains a top unmet need for people LWBC. 10 Psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and behaviour change techniques can enhance coping skills and improve QoL in people LWBC.…”