Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Therapeutic Massage for Psychological Well-being in Geriatric Oncology
Published on: May 22, 2026
Systematic review of peer-support programs for people with cancer
Louisa M Hoey1, Sandra C Ieropoli, Victoria M White
1Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, The Cancer Council Victoria, Australia.
Objective:
To identify models of peer support for cancer patients and systematically review evidence of their effectiveness in improving psychosocial adjustment.
Methods:
CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), MEDLINE and PsychINFO databases were used to identify relevant literature published from 1980 to April 2007. Data on characteristics of the peer-support program, sample size, design, measures, and findings were extracted and papers were also rated with respect to research quality (categories 'poor', 'fair' or 'good').
Results:
Forty-three research papers that included data from at least 1 group were reviewed in detail, including 26 descriptive papers, 8 non-randomized comparative papers, and 10 papers reporting eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Five models of peer support were identified: one-on-one face-to-face, one-on-one telephone, group face-to-face, group telephone, and group Internet.
Conclusion:
Papers indicated a high level of satisfaction with peer-support programs; however, evidence for psychosocial benefit was mixed.
Practice Implications:
One-on-one face-to-face and group Internet peer-support programs should be given priority when considering ways to offer peer support. Nevertheless, the other models discussed in this review should not be dismissed until further research is conducted with a wide range of cancer populations.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Help Support Groups
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary strengths of self-help...
Cancer Survival Analysis
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...
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...
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Healthcare Agencies I