The effectiveness of a professionally led support group for men with prostate cancer

This study investigated the effectiveness of support groups in: (a) helping patients and significant others voice their concerns about the physical and psychosocial implications of their disease in an emotionally supportive context, (b) enhancing patients' understanding of their disease and its treatments and side effects, and (c) facilitating more active involvement in their treatment. A total of 54 men and some family members participated in seven separate groups. Patients were invited to participate with a letter describing the goals of the support groups or were referred by nurses and doctors.

The participants met for a series of 10 weekly sessions each of 90 minutes duration. The meetings were led by a nurse and a psychologist, who together provided information on the medical aspects of the disease and its treatment, focused on the psychologic reactions to a diagnosis of cancer, and encouraged participants to adopt more active, health-promoting coping strategies.

The participants were surveyed anonymously by questionnaire at the end of the tenth session on their views and attitudes about the support groups and their overall satisfaction. The results showed that participants in the support group felt they had a better understanding of their illness and perceived themselves as more involved in their treatment. They expressed that sharing their experiences with others gave them reassurance, helped alleviate their anxiety, and provided them with a more positive outlook.

It was concluded that these findings furnished evidence of the effectiveness of support groups in facilitating perceptions of enhanced coping in men with prostate cancer.