Christine Maheu1, Sophie Lebel2, Christina Tomei2, Mina Singh3, Mary Jane Esplen4. 1. Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; ELLICSR: Cancer Survivorship Program, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: christine.maheu@mcgill.ca. 2. School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. 3. School of Nursing, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 4. University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Currently, very few clinical approaches are offered to cancer survivors dealing with fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). This paper provides an overview of cancer survivors' experience and satisfaction after taking part in a six-week, cognitive-existential (CE) group intervention that aimed to address FCR. METHOD: In this qualitative descriptive study, 12 women with breast or ovarian cancer provided in-depth interviews of their experience in taking part in the CE group intervention. RESULTS: Analysis of their accounts revealed struggles to face their fears. Yet, by embracing their group experience, the women learned how to confront their fears and gain emotional control. The women reported that the group work was highly valuable. CONCLUSION: From the women's analysed accounts, the authors have proposed recommendations for changes to the group work process before moving the study to a full clinical trial. The study's findings also provide valuable insights to other cancer survivor groups who may also be experiencing FCR.
PURPOSE: Currently, very few clinical approaches are offered to cancer survivors dealing with fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). This paper provides an overview of cancer survivors' experience and satisfaction after taking part in a six-week, cognitive-existential (CE) group intervention that aimed to address FCR. METHOD: In this qualitative descriptive study, 12 women with breast or ovarian cancer provided in-depth interviews of their experience in taking part in the CE group intervention. RESULTS: Analysis of their accounts revealed struggles to face their fears. Yet, by embracing their group experience, the women learned how to confront their fears and gain emotional control. The women reported that the group work was highly valuable. CONCLUSION: From the women's analysed accounts, the authors have proposed recommendations for changes to the group work process before moving the study to a full clinical trial. The study's findings also provide valuable insights to other cancer survivor groups who may also be experiencing FCR.
Keywords:
Breast and ovarian cancer; Cognitive-existential approach; Fear of cancer recurrence; Group intervention; Participation satisfaction; Qualitative study
Authors: Chelsea Moran; Christina Tomei; Monique Lefebvre; Cheryl Harris; Christine Maheu; Sophie Lebel Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2017-02-02 Impact factor: 3.603