New pilot project for cancer survivors

Nicole Alberts is working on a program which is designed to offer cancer survivors help in dealing with the stresses of living with the ramifications of having gone through treatments.

Alberts, who grew up in the Yorkton area, has undertaken the project as part of her PHD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Regina.

The project is investigating "the effectiveness of online treatment," she explained, in particular in regards to dealing with anxiety and depression which hits some of those who have survived through cancer treatments.

In researching the project Alberts said she found a group in Australia doing on an online service.

"We've taken that program and adapted it," she said.

The program centres on the concept of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Alberts said CBTs are "used to treat a lot of different things both online and in person."

In the case of Alberts project the program will be delivered to participants online, although there will be added support from a therapist.

The therapist is there as reinforcement of the online program and to offer additional encouragement when required, said Alberts.

"They're checking in with you keeping on track," she said.

Participants "will work through five, what we call lessons, over eight week," said Alberts, who added they will also have weekly contact via email and telephone.

The cognitive part "is helping people identify challenges and how to modify certain thoughts," offered Alberts. She said coming through treatments people can have many worries and concerns which if not handled, can lead to anxiety and depression.

Alberts said when finished therapy and being told the cancer is gone people may still have apprehension and then begin to question "why aren't things back the way they should be? I should be good to go?"

While worries are natural, there are ways to change thought patterns to lessen the hardship.

It's about making thoughts "more helpful," she added. "The way you think about yourself have a big impact on how you feel."

The program also tries to get people back to as normal a life as possible.

Alberts said while going through radiation, or chemotherapy often takes people away from doing things they have always done for fun and relaxation. While you may not be able to get back to doing everything you once did post treatment people do need to ask "what can I still do?" said Alberts. "Maybe you can't go for a run like you used to, but you can still go for a walk.

"That can be of big significance on people's mood."

In terms of Alberts research, she said it starts with an interview of those wishing to take part in the online program, and will include a follow-up immediately after conclusion, and then one after a few months. The questions will look at what participants expect, what they liked about the online support, and where they would suggest improvements.

So far Alberts has 10 participants, but she needs more so that the findings have greater significance.

"I need at least 20-25 but the more the better. The bigger the sample the better," she said.

Those interested must be 18, or older, Saskatchewan residents and have completed cancer therapy within the last few months, said Alberts.

If interested in taking part on the online support program you can call Alberts at 306-585-4203, or email [email protected]