title: Peer support for cancer patients.
abstract: People directly affected by cancer report significant psychological distress. Peer support programs are based on the premise that shared experience is a valuable resource that assists individuals to adjust to, and cope effectively with, stressful events. This article considers two types of peer support service available to cancer patients--telephone peer support (the 'Cancer Connect' program) and cancer support groups.
authors.affiliation: Cancer Information and Support Service, The Cancer Council Victoria.
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tilkeridis
authors.forename: Lera
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: O'Connor
authors.forename: Giovanna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pignalosa
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bramwell
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jefford
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods; D015277:Hotlines / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D010379:Peer Group; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012944:Social Support