Benefits of a non-pharmacological treatment group program in coping with cancer in Spanish women. A qualitative synthesis

Abstract

The study aims to determine the benefits of a nonpharmacological treatment and communitarian program carried out by the Spanish Association against Cancer in Galicia (Spain). The total of 14 editions of the program were analyzed in which 361 women with cancer between the ages of 32 and 84 participated. A descriptive ethnographic design was adopted, triangulating the analysis techniques and data collection sources using a satisfaction questionnaire, 32 in-depth interviews and a discussion group with professionals. The results support the idea that the group program analyzed has achieved a high degree of satisfaction among women participating in all editions, has favored the acceptance and positive coping with disease, increased knowledge and skills to solve related problems with the process, as well as promoted social relations, participation in the community and social support. From the practical and professional point of view, our research shows the importance of designing and implementing group programs from the psychosocial and interdisciplinary field that allow improving coping strategies and support in populations of women diagnosed with cancer.