Feasibility and Impact of Group Interventions on Breast Cancer Patients Well-being

Hatha-yoga intervention included 6 weekly 90-min sessions in groups of 3 to 8 participants led by Hatha-yoga trained teachers. This program was developed previously in Montreal and the following were included at each session: 1) preparatory warm-up synchronized with breathing; 2) selected postures (e.g. forward , backward-, and side-bending asanas in sitting and lying positions); 3) deep relaxation; 4) alternate-nostril breathing or pranayama; and 5) meditation. Each participant received a DVD to encourage at-home practice.

Hypnosis intervention included 6 sessions of 2 hours every 2 weeks. This was led by an anesthesist with experience in oncology and trained in hypnosis. Based on years of consultation with cancer patients, her team created a negotiating approach that fosters shared decision-making through using tasks that are centered on general well-being rather than on the health problem itself. Patients were asked to be actively involved. Several topics are addressed through tasks: eg. adjusting self-expectations. Patients were also required to keep a work-diary that was reviewed at the beginning of each session. At the end of the session, a 15-min hypnosis exercise is conducted. They receive CDs containing the hypnosis exercises and homework assignments.

CBT intervention included 6 weekly 90-min sessions in groups of 3 to 8 participants led by CBT-trained psychologists with experience in psycho-oncology. This program was developed by team leaders and is modelled on the work of Andersen et al. (2008) and Savard (2010). The intervention targets were: 1) breast cancer, meaning of illness, understanding stress and responses to it; 2) impact of treatment on body image; 3) impact of treatment on self-esteem; 4) fear of recurrence; 5) relationships with relatives and health professionals; and 6) life projects, return to daily activities and work. Relaxation training took place at the end of each session and participants performed tasks between sessions.