Stress management for breast cancer patients: service development

Abstract

There is broad consensus that following cancer diagnosis, patients’ lives can be disrupted by diffuse, long-term psychosocial problems. There is also increasing evidence to suggest that group cognitive behavioural techniques, as used in stress management and relaxation may be an effective means of offering help. In the context of increasing interest in psychological interventions for patients suffering from cancer, this article discusses the rationale for a stress management programme, incorporating relaxation techniques, for women with breast cancer. The content and implementation of the programme are described and psychological approaches including stress management and relaxation techniques for the wellbeing of patients in cancer care are outlined.