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Psychological effects and mediators of a group multi-component program for breast cancer survivors

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Abstract

This study evaluated the short-term impact of YWCA Encore, a mixed-modality group exercise and information support program for breast cancer patients situated in the community setting. Australian post-surgical breast cancer patients (N = 162) were assigned to either the 8-week Encore intervention or a Waitlist control. Intervention impact was assessed in terms of quality of life, cancer-specific distress, and social support. Changes in familiarity with exercise, self-efficacy and social support were tested as mediators of the intervention impact on quality of life. Overall adherence and satisfaction with the program were high. Significant enhancements at follow-up for quality of life and social support were evident for intervention compared with control participants. Familiarity with exercise and self-efficacy satisfied the requirements for mediation of quality of life. These findings provide evidence for psychosocial benefits of YWCA Encore multi-component program and support the use of such community-based programs for breast cancer survivors. The role of exercise familiarity and self-efficacy as probable mediators of the multi-component intervention is a critical finding and highlights the need for future investigations into the underlying mediating processes of similar interventions for cancer patients.

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Acknowledgments

This project was funded in part by a grant from the Westmead Department of Health. The Westmead Breast Cancer Institute receives funding from the NSW Department of Health. The authors thank Margaret Jordan and Rosemary Winter for assistance in participant recruitment; Lisa Burdekin for data entry; and, the YWCA Encore site coordinators for recruiting active study participants. Sincere thanks to Dr Alan Taylor, Macquarie University, for his statistical advice and assistance. The authors also thank Lisa Page (NSW Encore Coordinator) and Claire Treadgold (National Encore Coordinator) for representation on the project steering committee.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia

    Kerry A. Sherman & Karen L. Cavanagh

  2. Westmead Breast Cancer Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia

    Kerry A. Sherman & Greg Heard

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  1. Kerry A. Sherman
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  2. Greg Heard
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Correspondence to Kerry A. Sherman.

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Sherman, K.A., Heard, G. & Cavanagh, K.L. Psychological effects and mediators of a group multi-component program for breast cancer survivors. J Behav Med 33, 378–391 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-010-9265-9

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