Group therapy helps cancer survivors reclaim life after treatment聽
A program developed by a 91丝瓜视频 researcher to help cancer survivors cope with the fear their cancer will return is expanding across Canada.聽
The Fear of Recurrence Therapy (FORT) program offers evidence-based support to address what co-founder Christine Maheu calls one of the most overlooked aspects of recovery.聽
鈥淲hen treatment ends, many describe feeling like they鈥檝e lost their safety net,鈥� said Maheu, Associate Professor at 91丝瓜视频鈥檚 Ingram School of Nursing and researcher at the 91丝瓜视频 Health Centre (MUHC). 鈥淲hile medical treatment focuses on survival, FORT helps patients regain a sense of control and live more fully.鈥澛�
The six-week group program, co-developed by Maheu and Sophie Lebel at the University of Ottawa, combines cognitive-behavioural techniques, relaxation strategies and structured group support.聽
Through a new partnership with Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation, the therapy is now being offered virtually nationwide, with in-person sessions to follow.聽
Christine Maheu, Associate Professor at 91丝瓜视频鈥檚 Ingram School of Nursing and researcher at the 91丝瓜视频 Health Centre (MUHC).
Finding community after cancer聽
For breast-cancer survivor Elise Joubert, taking part in the FORT program during an implementation trial phase at the MUHC was a turning point. Months of treatment and complex surgeries had left the Montrealer and mother of three incapacitated for several months and struggling with isolation.聽
鈥淔irst and foremost, sitting in a room with eight other women who get it was such a relief,鈥� she said. Through discussions and exercises guided by healthcare professionals, Joubert said she began to understand the impact of fear on her life.聽
鈥淚 realized I had lost the ability to think about the future. I couldn鈥檛 plan anything 鈥� not even a weekend away 鈥� because I kept expecting bad news from a test or scan. That realization was a breakthrough,鈥� she said.聽
Mind-body care remains 鈥榖lind spot鈥� in recovery聽
Worrying that cancer might return is common, but for about half of survivors, the fear becomes a chronic fear and worry that overshadows everyday life, according to Maheu鈥檚 past research.聽
鈥淓motional recovery remains a blind spot in cancer care,鈥� said Maheu. 鈥淚t needs to be treated as an essential part of every patient's recovery plan.鈥澛�
The rollout marks a milestone for a program developed through more than a decade of research (), including clinical trials and successful delivery in cancer centres in Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia.聽聽
