Gynecologic and breast cancer peer mentors: Interpreting program impact

Introduction The purpose of this study was to evaluate the existing Peer Mentor (PM) Cancer Survivors Programs at an urban Southern California Cancer Institute. An evaluation of the existing program provided evidence as to the effectiveness of this program.

Objectives: 1. Examine differences between gynecologic (GC) and breast cancer (BC) experiences of PMs, 2. Examine and identify themes to be used for the development of surveys, 3. Analyze surveys to evaluate the effectiveness of the peer mentor program.

Methods: Qualitative methodology used in the first phase utilized two semi-structured focus group interviews; GC (n=4) and BC (n=10). Thematic Analysis was used to clarify key phrases and recurrent themes. Constant comparison of the incoming data provided themes which were used to develop an eight question, on-line survey (second phase) that will be instrumental in eliciting data that will be reflective of mentors' experiences. 100 surveys have been sent out to the rest of the PM groups (n=100).

Results: Thematic analysis revealed 15 themes and four major categories. The major categories were consistent between groups, however themes differed in relation to; reoccurrence, experience of being a mentor, perceived availability of resources. Differences in perceptions between the groups may be explained by the nature of gynecologic cancer disease process. There is a high rate of recurrence especially with ovarian and less availability of dedicated resources for GC in comparison to BC. As a result of the differences two survey instruments were developed and sent to the remaining PMs from the group.