Frankly Speaking About Cancer (FSAC): A national model of success for cancer education and patient empowerment

For ten years, Cancer Support Community has developed and provided Frankly Speaking About Cancer (FSAC), an educational series offering an in-depth look into a variety of concerns faced by cancer patients and their loved ones. The FSAC model is guided by Social-Cognitive Theory, and combines educational booklets, professionally-led workshops, and tailored web-content to educate and empower those affected by cancer to become active partners with their healthcare team. FSAC topics span a variety of tumor types as well as commonly-faced issues. In 2009, 1,195 FSAC workshop participants completed post-workshop evaluations (approximately 70% response rate, averaged across six workshop types). Workshops topics included: Advanced Breast Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Liver Cancer, New Discoveries, Coping with the Cost of Care, and Cancer Treatment. Nearly 80% of workshop attendees were Caucasian, and 44.5% were between 56-69 years. Across workshops nearly all participants (97%) would recommend the workshop to others facing similar concerns. All workshop participants reported a significant gain in knowledge about the topic post-workshop compared to pre-workshop levels (F= 76.7, p <.01). Workshop outcomes varied across topic, but large gains were seen in the critical role of communicating openly and being an active participant with their healthcare team. Most workshop attendees (88%) reported increased self-efficacy in being able to ask questions to their healthcare team to inform treatment decisions and discussing side effects with their doctors. Workshop results strongly suggest the educational model is an effective model for cancer patient education. Workshop evaluation results are being used to inform future iterations of program.