Cancer Peer Support Groups in Australia: A Review of Consumer Resources

Cancer patients and carers have a recognized need for ongoing social support outside the confines of the healthcare setting in which they have received their diagnosis and treatment. Peer support groups have come to be recognized as a crucial part of the cancer support domain. While psychosocial support for patients was always considered an important part of cancer survivorship, the significance of community self-help and peer-to-peer support, rooted in principles of patient empowerment, has gained increased recognition. This article reviews information available online on cancer peer support groups in Australia, focusing on the presentation of the relevant information on the websites of cancer support organizations. It provides a snapshot of cancer peer support group activity in Australia. It aims to serve the information needs of cancer support navigators, coordinators and advocates who may be working in roles that involve sharing information about cancer peer support groups with patients and carers, as well as the information needs of patients and carers themselves. It offers a representative overview of cancer peer support group activity in Australia with the aim of facilitating further exploration of this domain.