The Journal of Cancer Education Publishes Sharsheret Manuscript on the Evaluation of the Use and Timing of Their Thriving Again Program for Young Breast Cancer Survivors
Contact: Jordana Altman, Marketing and Communications Manager
Telephone: 866.474.2774
Email: [email protected]
Teaneck, New Jersey (March 1, 2017) – Sharsheret, the only national not-for-profit organization dedicated to addressing the needs of Jewish women and families, of all backgrounds, facing breast and ovarian cancer, is proud to announce its manuscript titled, “When I Needed It”: Evaluation of the Use and Timing of Sharsheret’s Thriving Again Program for Young Breast Cancer Survivors, was published by the Journal of Cancer Education. The manuscript, which was dedicated in memory of Sharsheret’s Founder Rochelle Shoretz A”H, was co-authored by Rochelle, Sharsheret’s Director of Support Programs Adina Fleischmann, former Support Program Coordinator Sharon Stahl, and Elizabeth A. Rohan and Julie S. Townsend from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Sharsheret’s Thriving Again program was evaluated through a web-based survey of survivorship program participants. The evaluation asked questions about participant demographics, use of the kit’s survivorship care plan (SCP), satisfaction with the timing of survivorship kit receipt, and factors related to survivors’ use of additional Sharsheret programs.
Of the 163 women who responded to the survey, 43% were diagnosed with breast cancer at or before age 45 and 69% were of Jewish descent. The majority of women who used the SCP found it helpful to facilitate cancer treatment (94%), follow-up (85%), or discussions with providers (91%).
A total of 75% of women who received the SCP kit while either recently diagnosed or undergoing treatment were satisfied with the timing of receipt. Survey respondents found the Thriving Again program and survivorship kit beneficial and indicated timing preferences for when to receive resources and support. Supporting the self-efficacy of cancer survivors may improve survivors’ quality of life and is an important aspect of survivorship programs.
To read the complete manuscript please visit: “When I Needed It”: Evaluation of the Use and Timing of Sharsheret’s Thriving Again Program for YBCS.pdf.
For more information about Sharsheret’s Thriving Again program, contact Director of Support Programs, Adina Fleischmann, at 866.474.2774 or [email protected].
Click here to order a FREE breast cancer survivorship kit. Click here to order a FREE ovarian cancer survivorship kit (both kits include a healthy living cookbook and pedometer).
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ABOUT SHARSHERET
Sharsheret, Hebrew for chain, is the only national organization supporting Jewish women and families, of all backgrounds, facing breast and ovarian cancer-those who are diagnosed and those at high risk. Sharsheret is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. To date, we serve more than 65,000 women, families, health care professionals, community leaders, and students from all 50 states. All Sharsheret programs serve all women and men.
As a member of the Federal Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women, Sharsheret shapes messaging and programs at the national level. Recognizing Sharsheret as the model for culturally-relevant breast cancer support, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded the organization two multi-year grants to develop support programs. Additionally, Sharsheret participates in psychosocial research studies and evaluations in partnership with federal agencies and major cancer centers, including Georgetown Lombardi Cancer Center.
Sharsheret offers the following national programs:
The Link Program
Peer Support Network, connecting women newly diagnosed or at high risk of developing breast cancer one-on-one with others who share similar diagnoses and experiences
EmbraceTM, supporting women living with advanced breast cancer
Genetics for Life®, addressing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer
Thriving Again®, providing individualized support, education, and survivorship plans for young breast cancer survivors
Busy Box®, for young parents facing breast cancer
Best Face Forward®, addressing the cosmetic side effects of treatment
Family Focus®, providing resources and support for caregivers and family members
Ovarian Cancer Program, tailored resources and support for young Jewish women and families facing ovarian cancer
Sharsheret SupportsTM, developing local support groups and programs
Education and Outreach Programs
Health Care Symposia, on issues unique to younger women facing breast cancer
Sharsheret on Campus, outreach and education to students on campus
Sharsheret Educational Resource Booklet Series, culturally-relevant publications for Jewish women and their families and healthcare professionals