Björneklett, H.G., Lindemalm, C., Rosenblad, A., Ojutkangas, M.L., Letocha, H., Strang, P., & Bergkvist, L. (2012). A randomised controlled trial of support group intervention after breast cancer treatment: Results on anxiety and depression. Acta Oncologica, 51, 198–207.

To evaluate the effect of a support program on anxiety and depression in patients with breast cancer

The intervention was a weeklong multidisciplinary residential program. The intervention took place within four months after the end of tumor treatment and ran for seven days, followed by four days of follow-up two months after the initial visit. The team consisted of oncologists, social workers, art therapists, massage therapists, a dietitian, and a mindfulness practitioner.

• The study reported on a sample of 382 female patients with breast cancer; 309 completed the 12-month follow-up.
• Mean ages in the treatment group were 54 years (range = 30–69) and 61 years (range = 34–84).
• Mean ages in the control group were 55 years (range = 38–70) and 62 years (range = 38–83).
• Patients were subgrouped into whether they had chemotherapy or not. Patients had either breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy. Those with breast-conserving surgery or lymph node involvement also received radiation therapy.

• Single site
• Retreat center setting
• Sweden

• Transition phase of care
• Late effects and survivorship

A randomized controlled trial design was used.

Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)–Swedish version

After 12 months, 10% in the intervention group versus 19% in the control group had a high anxiety score (p = 0.055).

Support group intervention including education about the disease and psychological reactions, mixed with art and dance therapy, qigong, and relaxation, was shown to positively influence anxiety levels among patients with breast cancer over time, whereas depression levels were unaffected by the intervention.

• A variety of interventions and providers were used, limiting the ability to transfer the findings to other venues.
• Reproducibility is an issue.
• The study had no appropriate attentional control.

Because of costs and time constraints, the ability of this program to be replicated is suspect. The particular components of the program that provided the most effectiveness were not analyzed and therefore cannot be reproduced or further studied.