Is a chronic disease self-management program beneficial to people affected by cancer?

Randomised trials of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) have shown improvements in health outcomes for people with arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and lung disease. The potential benefits of the CDSMP for people with cancer have not been researched, even though they can experience "chronic" symptoms after treatment. This paper reports on a pilot study conducted by The Cancer Council South Australia to determine whether the CDSMP was relevant and beneficial to people affected by cancer. Feedback was obtained via semi-structured telephone interviews with participants 4-6 weeks after the conclusion of the course. Most participants felt that the course was relevant to their cancer experience. Mixing with others who had experienced cancer appeared to be a key aspect of the program. Sharing experiences helped to break down their sense of isolation, and normalise the cancer experience: "I wasn't the only one who wasn't coping". Other benefits included gaining motivation to improve their health and wellbeing, a sense of regaining control and a new-found confidence to achieving one's goals. Participants beyond the acute treatment phase appeared to benefit more from the program. This community-based program may bridge the gap for people who are adjusting after cancer treatment is completed.