Education and peer discussion group interventions and adjustment to breastcancer

Background: We report a clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of educa tion-based and peer discussion-based group interventions on adjustment to b reast cancer. Methods: Women with stage I, III or III breast cancer (n = 312) were random ly assigned to 1 of 4 group conditions: control, education, peer discussion , or education plus peer discussion (combination). Seven groups (each compr ising 8-12 women) were conducted in each in the 4 conditions (28 groups tot al). Adjustment was measured before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 6 months after the intervention Results: Consistently positive effects on adjustment were seen in the educa tion groups both immediately following and 6 months after the intervention. There were no benefits of participation in peer discussion groups, and som e indications of adverse effects on adjustment at both follow-up examinatio ns. The effects; could be explained by changes in self-esteem, body image, and intrusive thoughts about the illness. Conclusions: Education-based group interventions facilitated the initial ad justment of women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. There was no ev idence of benefits from peer discussion group interventions.