Study: Internet Support Group Aids Breast Cancer Patients

An internet-based support group can be effective in reducing the depression, perceived stress, and cancer-related trauma for breast cancer patients, according to a report in the journal Cancer.

Stanford University researchers randomly assigned approximately half of 72 women with breast cancer to an internet-based support group called Bosom Buddies, which is moderated by a health care professional.

At the start of the study, 19 women assigned to the support group reported that they were depressed, but only nine reported that they continued to be depressed 12 weeks later.

The researchers said the support group also helped 14 percent of women beat post-traumatic stress syndrome related to their cancer diagnosis and reduced general stress levels for about one-fifth of the women.

"This study demonstrated that the web-based program, Bosom Buddies, was effective in reducing participants' scores on depression, perceived stress, and cancer-related trauma measures," the researchers concluded.

But they cautioned that "a.lthough web-based social support groups offer many advantages, this delivery mechanism presents a number of ethical issues that need to be addressed."

Other sources: Cancer