Facilitating a support group for women with advanced breast cancer – The rewards and challenges

In April 1999, the Anti Cancer Council of Victoria (ACCV) established an advanced Breast Cancer Support Group to address an unmet need in this cancer population. A one-year pilot group project was undertaken to trial an open-ended, open group model for this target group. The program was evaluated at 6 and 12-month intervals and the qualitative data showed improved ability to cope with the disease and treatment, improved sense of wellbeing and support gained from each other. A decision was made to continue the group beyond the first year. The group was facilitated by an Oncology/Breast Care Nurse and an Oncology Social Worker. The group has now commenced its third year and maintains a core group of approximately 8-10 participants. Establishing and maintaining a support group for women with advanced breast cancer has brought many rewards and challenges. Challenges include maintaining adequate participant numbers to form a viable group and sensitively dealing with the impact of the death of group members.

Rewards have been numerous, both personally and professionally. Of note, to be able to witness and share this experience with the women, knowing that the group has made an impact in their lives has been a privilege. Common themes which have emerged during fortnightly meetings include comparison of medical treatments, maintaining relationships, communicating with doctors and family, complementary therapies and unproven treatments, dealing with death anxiety and dying, and living with uncertainty. This is a practice-based rather than research-based presentation and would have relevance for anyone involved in group work with individuals with advanced cancer.