How does a cancer education program impact on people with cancer and their family and friends?

BACKGROUND: In this article, we report on the effects of patient education for people with cancer in comparison to family and friends. METHODS: Data are from 666 participants with cancer and 324 family and friends who completed preprogram and postprogram questionnaires. RESULTS: Results show high levels of participant satisfaction and positive changes in measures such as illness perceptions and emotional functioning. In many cases, the pattern of change was different for people with cancer compared to family and friends. CONCLUSIONS: This education program may be useful for helping people with cancer cope with the disease, with some distinct benefits for family and friends.