Starting again--a comparison study of a group rehabilitation program for cancer patients.

The effects of a seven-week (11 two-hour sessions) group post-treatment rehabilitation program ('Starting again') for cancer patients were assessed. The program emphasised physical training, information, and training of coping skills. Thirty participants were matched to thirty patients, not wanting to participate (comparison group) and compared in a longitudinal study: before and after the program, and three, six and twelve months after program completion. Program participants had a significantly heavier burden of physical and psychological symptoms at entry than did patients who chose not to participate. More participants reported change of their life-style and habits after the cancer diagnosis than did the comparison group. In comparison with non-participants, participants were more satisfied with information during the entire follow-up, improved more from pre- to post measurement with respect to physical strength and increased their physical training and social activities more.