An ovarian cancer support group

Because of the low rate of cure and high rate of relapse, the disease course of ovarian cancer can be emotionally devastating. Using psychological interventions to support patients emotionally and to enhance their quality of life should therefore be considered an important complement to medical care.

The authors describe a support group for patients with ovarian cancer, which was conducted over a 2-year period. The group consisted of patients with poor prognoses whose experience ranged from initial medical treatment, remission, and relapse to the dying experience. Key themes that arose during the sessions are identified, and differences between psychotherapy groups and support groups are highlighted. In contrast to psychotherapy groups, existential issues stood out as the most important therapeutic factor in this support group.

Because it is widely acknowledged that support groups have unique value in the total care of women with ovarian cancer, this description of issues related to group process hopefully will assist others who may plan to offer this type of psychological intervention for patients. With increasing technology and the resulting extension of life for patients with ovarian cancer, support groups like this may become an important aspect of care to enhance quality of life. The multidisciplinary team, including psychiatry, social work, nursing, and chaplaincy, is essential in expanding support groups in healthcare settings.