To support and to be supported. A qualitative study of peer support centres in cancer care in Norway

To be diagnosed with cancer and to go through treatment, follow-up and often rehabilitation, can be a traumatic experience with physical, psychological and social implications. Many patients report psychological distress related to the uncertainty of the disease, adverse effects of treatment and impaired quality of life [1 –3]. Some experience loneliness, uncertainty, depression, unmet informational needs, and a fear of relapses, and may need support to handle these challenges [4–9]. Follow up procedures are most often limited to medical examinations to check for recurrences, and patients often report unmet suppor t needs for years after they have completed treatment [10].
Source: Patient Education and Counseling - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Source Type: research