Psychoeducational Program for Breast Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Cancer treatments adversely affect cognition in general and memory in particular. The current study focused on developing and investigating the feasibility and effectiveness of a group program for breast cancer survivors suffering from cognitive problems post cancer treatment. This intervention was designed to provide participants with specific memory and stress-reducing strategies. Three breast cancer survivors participated in this program, which included five 2-hour weekly sessions and one 1-hour follow-up session 1 month later. Assessment included self-report and objective measures. No statistical analyses were performed: all presented results are descriptive. The data hint that the intervention is associated with enhanced quality of life, satisfaction with memory abilities, and some increases in both the quality and quantity of effective memory and stress-reducing strategies of participants. Although the intervention is feasible, there were challenges to recruitment. Further research regarding content and delivery methods for cognitive interventions for breast cancer survivors is warranted