THE ROLE OF INFORMAL AND FORMAL SOCIAL SUPPORT NETWORKS FOR PATIENTS WITH CANCER

PURPOSE: ID this study, the authors examined the role of informal and formal social support networks in mitigating barriers to cancer treatm ent among whites, blacks, and Hispanics, based on a representative sam ple of cancer patients in Texas. DESCRIPTION OF STUDY: The sample fram e for this study was obtained from the University of Texas M. D. Ander son Cancer Center's Texas Community Oncology Network, a consortium of cancer treatment facilities in Texas. Of the 910 patients who were con tacted, 593 (65%) responded to the survey RESULTS: The results show th e value of social support networks in assisting cancer patients with c ontinuing treatment. An important finding indicated that health profes sionals do not provide information regarding social support groups to patients with cancer at the time of diagnosis. Fewer than half of the respondents were asked whether they would be interested in joining a f ormal social support group. Individuals of all racial/ethnic groups re ported that the formal support groups provided emotional assistance. M inorities were more apt to report that the formal support groups helpe d with continuing treatment In addition, informal social support netwo rks, such as extended families and civic clubs, were seen as more help ful for blacks and Hispanics as compared with whites. CLINICAL IMPLICA TIONS: The need for formal and informal networks is indicated by the r esults of this study, which shown that networks, such as relationships with family, friends, and relatives, play an important role in assist ing patients in coping with their cancer. These networks are part of t he patient's total treatment experience and must be acknowledged by he althcare professionals. A large number of patients are not asked to jo in social support groups, suggesting a need for training healthcare pr ofessionals to provide information regarding the potential benefits of support groups for cancer patients.