Curators of a University of Nebraska Medical Center study are asking rural breast cancer survivors for feedback.
Dr. Robin Lally, a UNMC professor in the College of Nursing, says the program called “Caring Guidance” is an internet-based self-guided program for women who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer.
Dr. Lally says the internet-based part of the program gives the women round-the-clock access to information and support.
“It’s so important for women to have access right after they’re diagnosed,” Lally says. “Oftentimes, they’ll be diagnosed out in the community someplace and not be hooked up with a cancer center or anything right away. They really have lots of questions that need to be answered.”
Lally says having the program is ideal for rural women and having the program Internet-based is in her words “perfect.”
“They don’t have to travel anywhere, it’s private and this info is available 24-7,” Lally says. “But before we just start releasing it, I want women in rural Nebraska to look at it and give me feedback so I can make adjustments to make sure that it really fits what women here need.”
Lally says there are about 120 videos from cancer survivors included in this program to help women right after the diagnosis as well as focus groups with others facing similar treatments.
If any breast cancer survivors want to try out this program and give feedback, email Dr. Lally at Robin.Lally@UNMC.EDU.
By Nick Stevenson, WJAG, Norfolk