Community-based Peer Support Programs to Improve Quality of Life for Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review

: Introduction: Peer support programs are mainly studied by hospitals and medical professionals, and further research is needed on their impact on quality of life (QOL). The purpose of this study was to investigate the type of community-based peer support program that is effective for improving the QOL of cancer survivors. Method: A systematic review was performed using the following procedures: (1) randomized controlled trials aimed at improving QOL were searched from PubMed and Igaku Chuo Zasshi, (2) papers that met the inclusion criteria were selected, and (3) the papers were assessed for quality by using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Results: Results showed that four studies met the eligibility criteria, and three of them showed statistically significant improvements in QOL. The peers instructed in programs were breast cancer survivors who had been diagnosed one to three years earlier. Furthermore, peers received special training for approximately eight hours per session for a total of two to seven days before providing support to the participants. Conclusion: Few programs have been fully applied in Japan. In terms of program effectiveness and risk of bias, pro grams that include obtaining support and managing activities that affect mood may be effective. Furthermore, the im portance of taking enough time to help cancer survivors trust each other and provide support according to the patient’s wishes and available community resources was demonstrated.