A one-to-one mentoring support service for breast cancer survivors

ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD) is a Wisconsin-based mentoring service that pairs breast cancer survivors with women recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Since 1999, ABCD has trained volunteers to provide personalized information and emotional support. This review describes participants' perceptions of this survivorship program and its utility for breast cancer patients.

ABCD conducted 3 "program effectiveness" surveys between 2002 and 2006. Surveys were conducted over the telephone and used a 5-point Likert scale to elicit evaluations of the organization, mentors, resources, and other program dimensions.

Survey results indicate that this model is a successful resource that could be replicated for breast cancer survivors nationally. Respondents were especially satisfied with the helpfulness of the program for them and their families, mentor confidentiality, and emotional support. Areas for improvement focused on mentee familiarity with the ABCD website and helpline and improvement in mentor knowledge. Approximately 60% of respondents would consider becoming mentors.

ABCD is a positive and successful program with consistent participant satisfaction. The program has expanded nationally to address the needs of survivors. This model could be further replicated to provide support to survivors, family, and friends at no cost.