Perceptions for Patient Associations of Older Breast Cancer Survivors after Cancer Treatment and a Study of Long-Term Life Support

Abstract

Objective: To clarify how older breast cancer survivors after cancer treatment perceive cancer patient associations as support for long-term survival. Methods: Six older breast cancer survivors after cancer treatment were asked about the support that they received from the patient association and their thoughts about it using semi-structured interviews. Results: Older breast cancer survivors who have undergone cancer treatment have been aware of the following aspects of patient associations: “Patient associations can share worries after cancer treatment and help them live with cancer”, “The patients reflect on the recurrence, metastasis and death of fellow survivors they have encountered during attending patient associations” and “They felt that their own situation changed as they have participated in patient associations over the long term and that it was difficult to continue”. Discussion: Patient associations are an important resource for older breast cancer survivors after cancer treatment, and our results suggest that it is necessary to consider the form of patient associations that allow continued participation and to establish a system for collaboration with local medical and welfare institutions in order to provide support during the long-term survival phase.