Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a training program for facilitators operating a support group (SG) for cancer patients. Methods: The training program was structured and implemented as a two-day program for members of the nursing profession with experience in providing care for cancer patients. An original questionnaire, developed to ascertain knowledge regarding SG operation, and for evaluating anxiety and self-efficacy was designed for use before and after going through the program to allow for comparative evaluation. The subjects of this analysis were 58 nurses taking part in the program. Results: As a result, the knowledge of how to operate SG increased significantly (p<0.05) following participation. Of the 12 items addressing anxiety and self-efficacy regarding SG operation, lessening of anxiety was noted in 3 items, and self-efficacy was seen to improve significantly in 7 items. Motivation and resolve concerning SG operation following participation in the program also increased significantly. Conclusion: This was a useful training program for facilitators operating support groups for beginners.

This study examined the content validity and issues in the program management of a comprehensive support program for cancer patients. The program included a seminar for patients, a newsletter, a support cafe, support group, a yoga and stretching class, and a hand and foot care class. Program evaluation was conducted three times (before program, During program: 6 months later, After program) using an original questionnaire, MAC, and FACIT-SP. Forty subjects were included in the study. Subjects responded that they were satisfied with the knowledge and information obtained through the program, as well as the personal connections established with medical personnel. The physical intervention portion of the program was positively evaluated, and the emotional and spiritual QOL of patients improved significantly after the program. These results suggest that the program effectively supports the active lives of cancer patients. Palliat Care Res 2011; 6(1): 201-208

Objective: In Japan, consultations by self-help groups (SHGs) and peers play an important role in supporting cancer survivors. This study aimed to clarify motives of cancer survivors who established and have managed an SHG for over 10 years. Methods: (1) Study participants: We recruited participants from cancer patient associations and support center of cancer core hospitals all over Japan. Among 18 applicants, 12 applicants who had experience with establishing an SHG were chosen as subjects. (2) Study procedure: We conducted semi-structured interviews between December 2015 and August 2016 to ask about motives for establishment and intentions to continue. (3) Analysis: We analyzed the data both qualitatively and inductively with a focus on the significance of continuing the activity of SHG. Results: Reasons for long-term continuation of SHG were: ‘a mission as a long-term survivor/witness’, ‘firm belief in the importance of sharing an experience with a cancer’, ‘significance of participant’s increasing autonomy and involving repaying is becoming a life work’, ‘continuation of the connection with medical staff’, ‘features of consultations by professionals and those by peer supports’, ‘equal relationship with medical staff’, ‘continuation by developing successors’, and ‘suggestions for medical care’. Conclusion: The study showed that a sense of fulfilment, a mission as a lifework, fear of recurrence even after 10 years, and desire to connect with medical staff supported the activity of SHG. For future research it is necessary to accumulate data targeting a longer term survivor more widely.

Variety of accessibility to edible species in different regions has climatic and historical roots. In the present study, we try to systematically analyze 28,064 records of relationships between 11,752 edible species and 228 geographic zones by hierarchical clustering. The 228 geographic regions were classified into 11 super groups named as A to K, which were further divided into 39 clusters (CLs). Of them, at least one member of each of 28 CLs is associated to 20 or more edible species according to present information of KNApSAcK DB (http://kanaya.naist.jp/KNApSAcK_World/top.jsp). We examined those 28 CLs and found that majority of the members of each of the 27 CLs (96%) have specific type of climate. Diversity of accessibility to edible species makes it possible to separate 8 geographic regions on continental landmasses namely Mediterraneum, Baltic Sea, Western Europe, Yucatan Peninsula, South America, Africa and Arabian Peninsula, Southeast Asia, and Arctic Ocean; and three archipelagos namely, Caribbean Islands, Southeast Asian Islands and Pacific Islands. In addition, we also examined clusters based on cultural exchanges by colonization and migration and mass movement of people and material by modern transportation and trades as well as biogeographic factors. The era of big data science or data intensive science make it possible to systematically understand the content in huge data and how to acquire suitable data for specific purposes. Human healthcare should be considered on the basis of culture, climate, accessibility of edible foods and preferences, and based on molecular level information of genome and digestive systems.