Patients' Knowledge and Attitudes towards Cancer Peer Support Programs

The objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of cancer patients' preexisting knowledge, expectations and concerns towards peer support programs. Data were collected and analyzed in 51 patients using a standardized short interview and content analysis. Only 37% of the patients claimed to know peer support programs, and half of these regularly attended a support group. Forty-seven percent of the patients who did not know these programs showed a general interest. Reasons for attending a support group were primarily the exchange with other patients (18% of all statements), obtaining information about disease and treatment (10%) and receiving emotional support (9%). The main argument against participation was the fear of suffering when confronted with problems of others (21%). Utilization may be increased if volunteers and health care practitioners give patients more detailed information about the various offers of peer support.