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Learning Skills to Cope with Breast Cancer
Researchers at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin are studying how patients handle the stresses associated with diagnosis and management of breast cancer through a newly formed “skills group.” The group focuses on the use of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
“We’re basically talking about coping skills for life,” said Rebecca Anderson, PhD, Medical College of Wisconsin professor, principal investigator and director of psychological services for transplant surgery at Froedtert & the Medical College. “This is a skills group run by mental-health professionals, rather than a traditional support group.” The group utilizes dialectical behavior strategies, which is a psychotherapeutic treatment adapted specifically for breast cancer patients.
“Nothing — not even cancer — occurs in a vacuum,” Anderson explained. “There’s a lot going on in patients’ lives.” The program introduces many coping skills that address the complex stressors facing the newly diagnosed patient. For example the acronym MEDDS, is used to represent Mastery, Exercise, Diet, Drugs/medication taken as prescribed and Sleep –– all of which are important for good health.
The group, which meets for eight sessions at the Clinical Cancer Center, is composed of patients that have been diagnosed within the past year and meet eligibility criteria for the study. This program was made possible through contributions to the Breast Cancer Care Fund at Froedtert Hospital Foundation. The program, which began in April 2010, is funded for a year, but Dr. Anderson finds it valuable to the patients and would like to see it continue.
All patients interested in participating in the study should contact Kathleen Jensik, MSW, program coordinator, Medical College of Wisconsin Division of General Surgery, at 414-805-9001.
Source: Froedtert Today Date: September 2010 |