A cancer diagnosis brought 2 professional women together to begin a journey to explore how wellbeing practices could be encouraged at the point of a cancer diagnosis.
When people are diagnosed with cancer, while there is a strong emphasis on the treatment ahead, is there also a place for wellbeing to be promoted as a primary support strategy during this time?
If so, given the differences in demographics, cancer situation and personal factors and values, how can this be available to everyone?
With self management emerging as a recognised sustainable formula, we developed a ‘self coach’ approach that fits the key factors identified for an effective design including easy, attractive, and social and a timely approach1.
The approach, delivered through a simple, colourful, easy to follow and memorable acronym BREATHE (Breathe, Regroup, Empower, Action, Treatment, Healing, Escape) is designed for participants to create their own achievable, sustainable wellbeing choices that fit within their current life context.
To date we’ve developed 2 self coach cancer programs that are soon to be launched.
In conclusion, is there a place for this ‘self coach’ approach to be researched as an upfront strategy alongside other services to promote wellbeing for cancer recovery?