Separating the Apples and Oranges in the Fruit Cocktail

Abstract

In past reviews of the literature on psychosocial interventions for cancer patients, different reviewers have reached disparate conclusions about the ability of a psychosocial intervention to have an impact on cancer survival. This article highlights some of the basis for differences of opinion, including the range of psychosocial interventions provided to patients and the challenges inherent in conducting research studies of this type. Social workers who work with cancer patients at vulnerable times need to understand what the current evidence shows can be gained from participation in a psychosocial intervention. Several key questions have been identified that can provide the basis for future rigorous studies. The role of the social worker in participating and shaping research on the relationship of psychosocial intervention and cancer survival is also discussed.

Key Words:

• Cancer
• survival
• social support
• support groups
• social work
• review literature
• psychosocial interventions