Bridging the transition from cancer patient to survivor: pilot study results of the Cancer Survivor Telephone Education and Personal Support (C-STEPS) program.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a feasibility study of a theory-driven telephone counseling program to enhance psychosocial and physical well-being for cancer survivors after treatment.
METHODS: Participants (n=66) were recruited from two Colorado hospitals with self-administered questionnaires at baseline and two weeks post-intervention. The one group, intervention only design included up to six thematic telephone counseling sessions over three months. Topics included nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and medical follow-up. Primary outcomes were cancer-specific distress, self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity.
RESULTS: Of 66 subjects, 46 completed at least one counseling module and the follow-up assessment (70% retention rate). Mean satisfaction was 9 out of 10, and all participants would recommend C-STEPS to other survivors. Cancer-specific distress (Impact of Event Scale - Intrusion subscale) decreased for entire study population (p<0.001) and stress management session participants (p<0.001). Fruit and vegetable consumption increased for nutrition and exercise session participants (p=0.02) and the entire sample (p=NS). Physical activity increased in the entire group (p=0.006) and for nutrition and exercise session participants (p=0.01). CONCLUSION AND PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: C-STEPS is a feasible telephone counseling program that transcends geographic barriers, demonstrating the potential to decrease distress and promote coping and healthy lifestyles among cancer survivors.