Investigation of the practical utility and efficacy of the web-based active learning program “Friend Supporter” for reducing public stigma against cancer

About this study

For smooth social life of patients with cancer after discharge, it is desirable that necessary support is provided by people around them when necessary. However, our surveys have shown that the reactions and support that patients receive when they inform their friends about the illness are often not what they wanted and patients experience difficulties in processing such as feelings of loneliness and alienation. For better cancer survivorship, cancer survivors need interactions with friends based on mutual understanding and trust even after telling them about the illness.

In this project, we aim to investigate the practical utility of the web-based 5-week active learning program “Friend Supporter,” which was developed for the general public based on previous studies (the Yuumi Memorial Foundation for Home Health Care “Grant for home health care research”; Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B) 16H05218, co-investigator), to revise the program, and to investigate the efficacy of the revised program (Mitsubishi Foundation 51st Grants for Social Welfare Activities).