A randomized intervention study for breast cancer survivors in Japan: effects of short-term support group focused on possible breast cancer recurrence

This study aimed to assess the effect on the mental health of breast cancer survivors in a support group providing an emotional and educational intervention focused on the recurrence of breast cancer. Seventy-eight breast cancer survivors were assigned randomly to an intervention group (n = 45) and a control group (n = 33), respectively. Intervention group members met weekly for 4 weeks for emotional and educational intervention focusing on recurrence of the cancer. Subjects were assessed at baseline and at 1 week and 1 month postintervention. The results indicated that there was no significant effect of the intervention in terms of state anxiety. There was a significant effect of the intervention on life satisfaction in the group scoring high at baseline, as indicated by the mean score changes. The effect was that among the groups scoring high on life satisfaction, the mean score in the intervention group remained unchanged, but in the control group it declined. That is, short-term intervention focusing on recurrence does not improve the mental health of breast cancer patients, but it may help maintain better mental health. Nurses should have proper education to be able to provide correct information about breast cancer and coping skills. Further research with long-term multipurpose support groups that take into account patients' characteristics are needed to provide effective support to women with breast cancer in Japan.