Peer advice giving from post-treatment to newly diagnosed esophageal cancer patients

The benefits of peer support in cancer care include the sharing of information and experience, supporting adjustment by providing an illness trajectory which cancer patients can use to prepare for their own cancer journey. Information from peers is prioritized by esophageal cancer patients, yet the content of this experiential information is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to understand the content of peer advice giving from post-treatment to newly diagnosed esophageal cancer patients. Esophageal cancer survivors (n=23) at median 67-months post-diagnosis completed a single open-ended survey item which asked for advice they would give to individuals newly diagnosed with esophageal cancer on how to cope emotionally with the cancer journey (including adjusting to life after treatment). Transcripts were assessed using qualitative content analysis, with five categories of advice identified; social support, psychological approach, realistic expectations, support from healthcare professionals and self-care. The categories of advice reported were distinct from information needs prioritized by clinicians. This study demonstrates that experiential information is accessible and has the potential to identify neglected information and supportive care needs, and may have a potential use in delivery of psychological support to newly diagnosed patients.