16 th RRI international Breast Cancer Support Conference. Taipei.Taiwan. 10 th -12 th November 2011 Plenary 4B.Adjusting to a breast cancer diagnosis 2.Role of Peer Support in adjustment to life after breast cancer. Ann Steyn.President Reach to Recovery International.

Peer Support in adjusting to life after breast cancer Almost all women find the diagnosis of breast cancer and its treatment difficult to handle. Hearing words they never heard before. Asked to answer questions they don’t fully understand. The diagnosis is a beginning of a journey full of emotional & psychological, physical and practical challenges.

These challenges can relate to:- *the shock of the cancer diagnosis, *fear for the future, *the physical side effects of treatment, *having to deal with the financial burden of the cancer They struggle to find a positive in life.

At a time like this the support of somebody who has experienced breast cancer can make a difference. Many people offer support to breast cancer patients. “Even though my family is a wonderful support system. I need someone who has been in my shoes” Your Shoes Breast Cancer Center.

Peer support differs from professional supportive care. It is built on a shared experience. Peer Supporter and breast cancer patient have a strong connection.

Peer Supporter makes time for the patient. Listens and answers queries. Provides Information. No medical advice Assures patient they don’t have to go through everything alone. Assures it is normal to experience a range of emotions Suggests patient draws up a list of questions to ask their “treatment team”

Forms of Peer Support Peer Support can take many forms. It should be easily accessible and flexible. One on One support Phone calls Home visits Text messaging/Facebook Going for walks Lifts to chemo/ grocery shopping

Support Group Meetings can be very valuable. They help in reducing the feeling of isolation so common in cancer patients. Assist in developing more active coping skills They can provide patients with the opportunity to see the problem they are facing through the eyes of others.

Peer support groups are also able to help with the practical concerns. Peer support volunteers understand the impact cancer has on changes to your body as well as to your emotional state. Concern for partners and children is high on the list of patient anxieties.

Reduce the inappropriate guilt felt by some Help patients recognise that their problems are the result of cancer ---rather than personal failure. To have the support at this stage of a Peer Supporter gives them hope. They begin to see that the diagnosis is not necessarily a death sentence.

Rates of depression and anxiety are higher in cancer patients. Peer support can encourage a patient to see a psychologist/ psychiatrist before the depression becomes a severe problem. Exercise and healthy balanced diet can allow the patient to take control of an important part of their life.

A Peer Supporter has an unique position as a role model able to offer both emotional and practical support. Breast cancer brings many changes to body and mind. It can also offer an opportunity to change our lives. New awareness of priorities.

* A peer supporter is able to let the patient know:- *they are not alone on their cancer journey *that feelings of anxiety and anger will gradually disappear – to be replaced by a new understanding of their priorities and an appreciation of their value.

*that with time they will be able to cope with the changes caused by the diagnosis and return to the things that are important to them. THEN they may hear their patients describing the cancer as a positive life changing experience. “CANCER HAS TAUGHT ME TO LIVE MY LIFE NOT JUST TO EXIST”

I believe the Chinese character for trauma translates as “opportunity riding on a dangerous wind” The Peer Support volunteer is privileged to be able to share that wind until it becomes a gentle breeze. I hope you share with me the conviction that the role of Peer Support in adjusting to life after breast cancer is vital.

REFERENCES RRI Handbook RRI Training Manual NCI Prof. J Dunn. Peer Support American Cancer Society