title: Evaluation of the efficacy and usability of NCI's Facing               Forward booklet in the cancer community setting.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The NCI developed the print-based educational brochure, Facing Forward, to fill a gap in helping cancer patients meet the challenges of transitioning from active treatment to survivorship; however, little research has been conducted on its efficacy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of Facing Forward in promoting the uptake of recommended behaviors (e.g., ways to manage physical changes) and to explore its usability.
  
  
  METHODS
  At the last treatment appointment, early-stage breast, prostate, colorectal, and thoracic cancer patients (N = 340) recruited from community clinical oncology practices and an academic medical center completed a baseline assessment and were randomized to receive either Facing Forward (n = 175) or an attention control booklet about the NCI's Cancer Information Service (n = 165). Patients completed follow-up assessments at 8 weeks and 6 months post-baseline.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The reported uptake of recommended stress management behaviors was greater among intervention than control participants at both 8 weeks post-baseline (p = 0.016) and 6 months post-baseline (p = 0.017). At 8 weeks post-baseline, the intervention control group difference was greater among African-American than Caucasian participants (p < 0.03) and significant only among the former (p < 0.003); attendance at a cancer support group was also greater among the intervention than control group participants (p < 0.02). There were no significant intervention control group differences in the reported uptake of recommended behaviors in three other categories (p > 0.025). Intervention participants rated Facing Forward as understandable and helpful and indicated a high level of intention to try the behaviors recommended.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Facing Forward can enhance early-stage survivors' reported ability to manage stress and increase support group use during the reentry period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Facing Forward can help survivors meet the challenges of the reentry period.
authors.affiliation: Research & Training Institute, Cancer Support Community, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA.
authors.forename: Joanne S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Buzaglo
authors.forename: Suzanne M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Jeffery
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kendall
authors.forename: Annette L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Stanton
authors.forename: Kuang-Yi
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Wen
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Scarpato
authors.forename: Fang
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zhu
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lyle
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rowland
mesh_terms: D001741:Black or African American; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D063005:Health Information Systems / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D054547:National Cancer Institute (U.S.); D009369:Neoplasms / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010174:Pamphlets; D011788:Quality of Life; D017741:Survivors; D014481:United States; D044465:White People