Coping with Cancer Workbook

Description:

The Coping with Cancer Workbook is an interactive, multimedia online course designed to help breast cancer survivors manage stress and anxiety. This 10-chapter program is based on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, and relaxation. A clinical social worker specialising in oncology guides users through the program in a series of video clips. The course includes a private online journal, personal stories of breast cancer survivors, more than 20 audio relaxation exercises, as well as problem-solving and communication strategies. A supplemental booklet is also available so users can complete activities on the go.

Service URL:

http://www.cancercoping.org

Agency Responsible:

Talaria, Inc.

Details

Format:

Website. e-learning course

Intervention Types:

Psychological – CBT and Stress management including relaxation. Also mindfulness

Course Length:

Long (more than 5 modules). 10 modules

Support Option:

Program guidance. Via video footage from a clinical social worker specialising in oncology

Target Audience

Primary Category:

Physical Health. Stress and anxiety among breast cancer survivors

Target Audience:

Adult.

Language:

English.

Access

Fee:

Fee-based.

Access:

Closed: Fee required. Free demonstration video is available on the website and the course can be purchased through Amazon (including supplemental booklet and MP3 player preloaded with audio relaxation exercises)

Contact Details:

info@cancercoping.org

Research evidence

Research Trials:

1

Research RCTs:

1

Outcome Summary:

The effectiveness of this online program has been examined in one randomised controlled study. Participants were randomised to either the Coping with Cancer Workbook condition or a wait-list control. Results indicate that after a period of 10 weeks, participants who had used the workbook demonstrated significantly improved self-efficacy for coping with cancer and for regulating negative mood compared to the control group. Participants in the intervention group also showed significantly lower levels of cancer-related post-traumatic symptoms compared to the control group. These findings provide some evidence to suggest that the Coping with Cancer Workbook may be an effective tool for helping breast cancer patients increase their confidence in their ability to cope with stress.

 

 

Recommended rating, reviewer 1:

Recommended rating, reviewer 2:

Read more about Beacon's Smiley Rating System.

Research paper citations

Evaluation evidence studies:

Eaton, L.H., Doorenbos, A.Z., Schmitz, K.L., Carpenter, K.M., McGregor, B.A. (2011) Establishing treatment fidelity in a web-based behavioural intervention study. Nursing Research, 60 (6): 430-5.

Carpenter, K.M., Stoner, S.A., Schmitz. K., McGregor, B.A., & Doorenbos, A.Z. (in press). An Online Stress Management Workbook for Breast Cancer. Journal of Behavioral Medicine.

Additional reference:

Schmitz, K.A. and Stoner, S.A. (2012) Does Writing About Positive Emotions Improve Well-Being? Poster session presented at the annual American Psychosocial Oncology Society conference, Miami, FL.