Supporting Hope in Midlife Cancer Survivors: Intervention Workshop

The transition from cancer patient to cancer survivor can be difficult, especially during midlife. In midlife, adults become the gatekeepers of their potentials and gifts, have more developed thinking and feeling capacities, and are able to create human and environmental integration on a new level. These tasks are difficult enough for the midlife adult, but when cancer occurs in midlife, patients often find themselves lacking the information and support needed to determine what is personally meaningful and realistically possible once treatment is completed. This book explores a psycho-educational group program, the Mid-Life Directions Workshop, for its effect on hope and quality of life in midlife cancer survivors. The study reveals the benefits of this program with a group of midlife cancer survivors. The book may provide an increased understanding of potential programs that may benefit the growing number of cancer survivors worldwide. In particular, it should be useful to healthcare professionals who are engaged in establishing programs for cancer survivors.

Autorentext

Clare M. Butt, PhD, RN: Studied Nursing at Boston College. 20 years experience as an oncology clinical nurse specialist, support group facilitator and palliative care coordinator. Interests include cancer survivorship and second half of life transitions. Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing at Holy Family University, Philadelphia, PA.