In her research, SMART for Cancer Survivors director Giselle Perez, PhD, focuses on the post–cancer treatment transition, especially long-term survivorship. She has observed that many patients struggle after treatment ends.
"There's a sense of isolation and uncertainty," Dr. Perez said. "Patients are also trying to figure out how their values, roles, and social relationships might have changed. All of those things can lead to a great deal of distress."
Since 2017, the SMART for Cancer Survivors program has helped cancer survivors cope with the emotional, social, and physical challenges that often emerge following the completion of treatment. Upwards of 80 people take part each year.
The program consists of nine 90-minute virtual sessions that include six to eight patients and are led by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. (Participants must have a Mass General Brigham provider and be able to join classes from Massachusetts.) The sessions combine strategies from mind body medicine, positive psychology, and cognitive behavioral treatment to teach participants how to manage the many life stressors they face.
During each session, the facilitator presents a lesson on topics like nutrition, exercise, sleep, or stress reduction. Then, they engage participants in conversation about the tools they're learning and how to apply these tools to their own circumstances. Patients are encouraged to practice their new skills outside of the sessions and then discuss their experiences at the next session.
"It's a skills-based program, not just a support program," Dr. Perez emphasized. "We're aiming to improve each individual's resilience and ability to adapt to chronic life stressors."
SMART for Cancer Survivors complements the wide range of supportive care resources available to patients and families through Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute.
Bonding with others who appreciate what she's going through
Kate, who lives in Durham, New Hampshire, began her cancer treatment at Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital. Next, she was referred to the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital for the multidisciplinary care that her complex diagnosis required.
At Mass General, surgical oncologist Jonathan Greer, MD, teamed with medical oncologist Bennett Caughey, MD, to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Dr. Greer operated on Kate several times to remove tumors and address the spread of cancer. Dr. Caughey oversaw the chemotherapy treatments.
Even after treatment ended, Kate couldn't get over the shock of having cancer at such a young age. At SMART for Cancer Survivors, she was placed in a group of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. Dr. Perez introduced this program to focus on the specific needs of people aged 18 to 39.
"It's so important for younger people to come together and understand they're not alone," she said. "Particularly in this young-adult period, you're often defining yourself based on how your peers are doing—and struggling with the fact that they're reaching certain life milestones that you may not have reached yet or that may have shifted."
