Effect of Psychosocial Interventions on Quality of Life in Cancer Survivors: A Review of the Literature

Background: Approximately 11 million persons in the United States are cancer survivors. African-Americans suffer disproportionately from high levels of cancer and have higher mortality rates than non-Hispanic Whites. Hundreds of research studies have assessed the effectiveness of a variety of psychosocial interventions and have tried to improve the quality of life for survivors. Although interventions have been developed for survivors to improve the quality of life, the effectiveness of different types of interventions is unclear. Methods: A systematic, qualitative and quantitative review of relevant literature cited in two electronic databases (MEDLINE and CINAHL) as well as the abstracts of conference proceedings was conducted. Outcome measures of interest were improved quality of life, post-traumatic stress, distress, social support, insomnia and marital communication. Inclusion criteria included only randomized controlled or quasi- experimental trials that were conducted in the United States, written in English, and published between January 1999 and 2009. Length of follow-up time and the replication of the intervention were also considered. Results: A total of 29 studies met the inclusion criteria. Despite significant heterogeneity and relatively small sample sizes, the benefits of individual and group-based psychosocial interventions are positive. Conclusions: Psychosocial supportive, educational and cognitive-behavioral interventions are effective in improving quality of life, mood, distress and marital communication in cancer patients, survivors and their caregivers. Psychosocial interventions utilizing the telephone may be as effective as in-person support. Future research would benefit from targeting African Americans and utilizing the Internet as a source of social support.