Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2026

Laparoscopic Radical Gastrectomy for Remnant Gastric Cancer
Published on: October 31, 2025
Education and peer discussion group interventions and adjustment to breast cancer
V S Helgeson1, S Cohen, R Schulz
1Psychology Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Background:
We report a clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of education-based and peer discussion-based group interventions on adjustment to breast cancer.
Methods:
Women with stage I, II, or III breast cancer (n = 312) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 group conditions: control, education, peer discussion, or education plus peer discussion (combination). Seven groups (each comprising 8-12 women) were conducted in each of the 4 conditions (28 groups total). Adjustment was measured before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 6 months after the intervention.
Results:
Consistently positive effects on adjustment were seen in the education groups both immediately following and 6 months after the intervention. There were no benefits of participation in peer discussion groups, and some indications of adverse effects on adjustment at both follow-up examinations. The effects could be explained by changes in self-esteem, body image, and intrusive thoughts about the illness.
Conclusions:
Education-based group interventions facilitated the initial adjustment of women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. There was no evidence of benefits from peer discussion group interventions.
Related Concept Videos
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Cancer Prevention
Some...
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Cancer Prevention
Some...
Self-Help Support Groups
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary strengths of self-help...