Talk therapy trial to help cancer survivors ‘adapt to new normal’

A MAJOR study is to look at whether talking therapy can help cancer survivors cope with fears of a relapse and speed up their recovery following treatment for the disease.

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London will examine whether offering help with emotional issues, concerns about work or fears of relapse can improve long-term outcomes.

Professor Steph Taylor, from QMUL, said: “About a third of [UK cancer survivors] report poor quality of life or well-being. If the talking-based therapy proves successful, it could be implemented across the NHS to help survivors who are struggling to cope after the completion of their treatment.”

The £2.5 million Survivors’ Rehabilitation Evaluation After Cancer project will assess the effectiveness of a talking therapy known as “acceptance and commitment” therapy. This helps patients to accept things they cannot change, such as cancer recurrence, and sets them personal recovery goals.

Adrienne Morgan, 61, a scientist and cancer patient advising on the project, said: “Had we been given this counselling earlier, after my initial treatment, it would have helped enormously in adapting to that new normal. I may have even been able to continue working in the job that I loved.”

The study, involving 344 patients, is being funded by the National Institute for Health Research.