National study of chronic disease self-management: 6-month and 12-month findings among cancer survivors and non-cancer survivors

Objective This study examined the applicability of the Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) for cancer survivors and compared outcomes among cancer survivors and participants with other chronic diseases (non-cancer survivors). Methods Participants were older adults (n = 1170) enrolled in the National Study of CDSMP. Detailed information about physical and psychosocial health status and health and healthcare behaviors was collected from participants (n = 116 cancer survivors and n = 1054 non-cancer survivors) via self-report before CDSMP participation and at 6-month and 12-month follow-ups. Linear and generalized linear mixed models were used to assess baseline-to-6-month and baseline-to-12-month changes. Results Among cancer survivors, general health, depression, and sleep significantly improved from baseline to 6 months. These significant changes were sustained at 12 months. Communication with physician, medication compliance, pain, days in poor physical health, days in poor mental health, and days kept from usual activities and physical activity also improved significantly from baseline to 12 months. Among non-cancer survivors, all outcomes except medication compliance and stress improved significantly from baseline to 6 months. At 12 months, medication compliance also improved significantly. Conclusions Findings suggest that participation in CDSMP, an evidence-based chronic disease self-management intervention not specifically tailored for cancer survivorship, may significantly improve physical and psychosocial health status and key health and healthcare behaviors among cancer survivors. Additional research is needed to elucidate cancer survivors' unique needs and examine the benefits of tailored versions of CDSMP. Nevertheless, CDSMP, available at scale nationally and internationally, is a promising intervention for cancer survivors and should be considered a valuable component of survivorship care.