What did you study?
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Although the prognosis is generally good, receiving a diagnosis can still be frightening. The illness and its treatments affect everyday life and may reduce quality of life. In this situation, peer support can be important. In my dissertation, I explore the meaning of peer support for people diagnosed with breast cancer and how it is formed through interaction between the patient and a trained peer supporter. The study was carried out at HUS Helsinki University Hospital and involved 260 patients who had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. Half of the participants received peer support in addition to standard care. The significance of peer support was assessed using quality-of-life measures, while the way it was formed was examined through an analysis of group interviews.
What was the main finding of your study?
The study showed that peer support is a multifaceted phenomenon involving patients’ hesitation, unconditional expectations and a feeling of connection. It was built around patients’ need to talk about their experiences and reflect on their identity in a new life situation as a patient. Patients’ needs and wishes regarding peer support varied at different moments and stages along the care pathway. The quality of interaction emerged as especially important. Patients valued a peer supporter who listened and could be trusted. At its best, peer support interaction gave patients a feeling of being held.
How can the results be applied in practice?
The findings can be used to develop the care pathway for breast cancer patients and to improve the training of peer supporters. The study highlights the importance of recognising patients’ individual needs when offering peer support, which means support should be available flexibly at different stages of care. Ensuring the quality of peer support and safeguarding the well-being of peer supporters also requires their training and support, as providing peer support is a demanding role for volunteers.
Master of Health Sciences Anu Toija will publicly defend her doctoral dissertation in health promotion, “Understanding peer support: Breast cancer patients’ perspectives”, on Friday 29 May 2026 at 12.00 in auditorium C1 of the University of Jyväskylä Main Building.
- Opponent: Professor Mari Kangasniemi (University of Turku)
- Custos: Professor Sami Kokko (University of Jyväskylä)
- Language of the public defence: Finnish
Event page: https://www.jyu.fi/fi/tapahtumat/2952026-ttm-anu-toija-liikuntatieteellinen-tiedekunta-terveyden-edistaminen
Further information:
Anu Toija, anu.toija@gmail.com
