The broad aims of the present evaluation were, firstly, to describe the information and support needs of callers to a Cancer Helpline and, secondly, to describe the response of the service to these needs. A further aim was to use these results to develop strategies to improve the service. Anonymous caller information collected over a 6-year period was analysed. The setting of the study was the Cancer Helpline service operated by the Cancer Council Victoria within the state of Victoria, Australia. The caller profile was similar to that described in the literature, with the majority of callers being women, younger than the general cancer population and enquiring most commonly about breast cancer. Patients and their relatives called to obtain information about cancer diagnosis, treatment and management and to obtain psychological and emotional support. Callers received emotional support, were supplied with verbal and written information and were referred to a variety of support services. Some population groups are underrepresented in the data. Changes to the Helpline and other services over the 6-year period are described. The pattern of callers to the Cancer Helpline appears similar to that described in the USA and Europe. Many issues and challenges are common. The paper discusses additional strategies for meeting the information and support needs of those affected by cancer and describes current and suggested research areas.

After a diagnosis of cancer, patients and their families and friends experience a significant need for information about the illness, treatment and prognosis, as well as support. Structured education and support group-based programmes play a major role in meeting these needs. Following a needs assessment in 1985, the Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria (ACCV), Australia, initiated development of the Living With Cancer Education Programme (LWCEP), a structured 8-week group programme providing education and support for people with cancer and their families and friends. This paper provides an historical overview of the LWCEP, as well as an outline of the programme aims, structure, content and delivery. Recent developments and future directions are also discussed. These include adaptation of the programme for individuals with advanced or recurrent cancer, modification of the programme structure and revision of the evaluation methodology.

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A diagnosis of cancer can have major adverse physical, psychosocial and economic consequences for both the individual diagnosed with cancer and their family and friends. The provision of adequate information and support to individuals affected by cancer plays a key role in facilitating better adjustment and coping. Psychoeducational group programmes are an effective way of meeting this need. This paper reports on the results of an evaluation of an Australian education and support programme for individuals with cancer and their family and friends - the Living with Cancer Education Programme (LWCEP). Data are presented based on the evaluation of 152 programmes involving 1460 participants conducted between 1994 and 2000. Participant responses related to changes in self, general coping abilities and satisfaction with the programme are reported. Results showed high satisfaction with the programme and significant improvement in coping abilities, knowledge and communication and relationships with significant others and health professionals among both groups of participants. These findings highlight several important issues for professionals involved in the psychosocial care of cancer patients and their family and friends.