Effect of an integrated support programme on the concerns and wellbeing of women with breast cancer: A national service evaluation

Abstract 

Purpose

To carry out a national service evaluation of the integrated cancer support programme offered by The Haven using the Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCaW) outcome questionnaire.

Methods

Breast cancer survivors who visited one of three Haven centres in the UK completed the MYCaW questionnaire before and after 6 one-hour complementary therapy sessions.

Results

Statistically significant decreases in mean baseline scores (indicating improvement) for concerns and wellbeing were observed after treatment: concern 1 (5.09 ± 1.04 vs 3.17 ± 1.60, p < 0.0001, n = 402), concern 2 (4.69 ± 1.08 vs 3.08 ± 1.56, p < 0.0001, n = 372), and wellbeing (3.30 ± 1.41 vs 2.63 ± 1.28, p < 0.0001, n = 402). The therapies most commonly used were acupuncture, nutrition, massage and aromatherapy, shiatsu, counselling and reflexology. After therapy, 91% of reported scores (n = 328) rated the concern as being a little better, much better or gone.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that women with breast cancer find the Haven integrated support programme valuable for addressing their main concerns and improving their feeling of wellbeing.

Keywords: Breast cancer, MYCaW, Concerns, Wellbeing, Complementary therapies