Peer support

Suggested

2 studies · 1 recommendation

Last updated: February 25, 2026

Suggested2 studies

Peer support groups improve quality of life and mental health in breast cancer patients

Two non-randomized controlled trials with over 200 breast cancer patients demonstrate meaningful benefits from structured peer support programs. In one trial, women in peer support showed significantly higher vitality and mental health scores compared to controls (both p < 0.001), with additional gains in social functioning and role-emotional domains on the SF-36. A second study of 142 patients found that those completing a 20-session psychoeducational group program reduced their quality-of-life loss score from 49.1 to 27.1 on a 100-point scale — a 22-point improvement — while wait-list controls saw no comparable change. Both interventions spanned structured formats over several months, combining emotional support with education on anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and body image. High adherence rates across studies support feasibility for routine integration into breast cancer care.

Evidence

Belonging to a peer support group enhance the quality of life and adherence rate in patients affected by breast cancer: a non-randomized controlled clinical trial

Authors: Farajzadegan, Ziba., Malekpour Tehrani, Afsaneh., Mokarian Rajabi, Fariborz., Zamani, Ahmadreza.

Published: January 1, 2011

In this non-randomized controlled clinical trial of women with non-metastatic breast cancer, participants were assigned to either a peer support program (experimental group) or a routine educational program (control group) over 3 months. Quality of life was measured using the SF-36 questionnaire pre- and post-intervention. The peer support group demonstrated significant improvements in role-physical, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional, and mental health domains. Critically, vitality scores and mental health scores in the peer support group were significantly higher than in the control group, both with p < 0.001. Adherence was high in both groups with no significant difference between them.

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Eficacia de la terapia de grupo en cáncer de mama: variaciones en la calidad de vida

Authors: Font, Antoni, Rodríguez, Eva

Published: January 1, 2004

In a non-randomized interventional study of 142 breast cancer patients seeking psychological support through the Spanish Association Against Cancer, 69 participants joined psychoeducational support groups (20 sessions across 4 modules: anxiety, depression, self-esteem and body image, affective relationships and sexuality) while 73 were placed on a waiting list as controls. Patients who completed the group intervention showed a quality-of-life loss score reduction from 49.1 to 27.1 on the Font Quality of Life questionnaire (scale 0-100, where higher scores indicate greater quality-of-life loss), representing a 22-point improvement. Participants rated their current life as substantially more satisfactory after completing the intervention compared to baseline assessment.

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