Survivor University pilot program empowers cancer patients with holistic support, education

Published on Monday, August 26, 2024

By: Jewell Davis, jdavis25@umc.edu

Photos By: Joe Ellis/ UMMC Communications

When Sharon McAllister celebrated her 60th birthday last year, she marked the milestone with a standard wellness exam. Little did she know that this routine visit would set the stage for a life-changing health journey.

McAllister was shocked when the checkup revealed abnormalities in her mammogram. She then attended a second appointment at the breast imaging center. The additional mammogram, followed by an ultrasound and biopsy, confirmed her worst fears.

“My doctor informed me that the biopsy results indicated I had stage 1A triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms,” said McAllister.

Triple-negative breast cancer is considered one of the most difficult subtypes of breast cancer to treat due to its invasive nature and limited treatment options available. TNBC accounts for approximately 10 to 15% of breast cancer cases. 

For those facing cancer, the impact extends beyond physical symptoms. McAllister, who had spent years managing the demanding responsibilities of caregiving for both of her parents, now faced a personal health crisis.

“Being the only person who took care of both of my elderly parents left me sick, overwhelmed and burnt out,” said McAllister. “I became sick both mentally and physically from being a caregiver.”

Cancer diagnoses, like the one McAllister faces, are life-changing events that can profoundly affect an individual’s quality of life, often leading to significant physical, emotional, psychological and social challenges.

Dr. Leslie Musshafen, associate director of administration of the CCRI and assistant professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine, wanted to address these impacts and enhance the support system for patients and their families who come to the CCRI.

She developed a patient education and wellness program – Survivor University.

“We wanted to create a first-of-its-kind program for Mississippians to address all of the potential impacts that come from a cancer diagnosis. Cancer survivors face the ongoing demands of managing treatment side effects, adapting to a new normal and navigating the complexities of survivorship,” said Musshafen. “There is growing recognition of the need for holistic support programs that address the comprehensive well-being of survivors.”

Research shows that positive health behaviors, such as improvements to survivor self-efficacy, are vital pieces of a holistic approach to cancer care. Promoting self-management can empower cancer patients and increase their potential to overcome issues associated with the disease.

In line with this holistic approach, Survivor University is a free, educational and support program that offers a practical approach to improving health and quality of life during and after cancer treatment. During a 10-day period, patients will engage with community subject matter experts, UMMC providers and organizations that provide care or resources to cancer survivors in Mississippi. The comprehensive program is made possible through a pilot project grant from the UMMC Telehealth Center of Excellence and the Health Resources and Services Administration.

Presentation topics cover a variety of hurdles cancer patients face such as getting adequate nutrition, sleep and physical activity after a cancer diagnosis, improving emotional well-being and mental health, coping with physical changes and rediscovering purpose.

"Ultimately, we aim to increase an individual’s confidence that they can tackle a cancer diagnosis and treatment and to provide them with a strong support system while they do," said Musshafen. "Positive health behaviors and self-management are key components of our approach."

McAllister was one of 10 cancer survivors who were part of the pilot program. She found that two classes particularly resonated with her situation.

“The classes on mindfulness and emotional well-being and optimal sleep for health and recovery taught me to be aware of my internal state and sleep quality,” said McAllister. “When it comes to mental well-being and stress, you have to learn how to cope through meditation and relaxation.”

After developing the initial ground work for the innovative program, Musshafen faced another challenge – to address how some cancer patients would travel back and forth to Jackson to participate in the program.

“Transportation difficulties are a common challenge for our patients,” Musshafen said. “Traveling when not feeling well – either as a result of the disease or its treatment ‒ is an added challenge. To make care more accessible, we explored virtual options as a potential solution.”

A 2018 systematic review of 24 studies found virtual support platforms an effective means of improving cancer survivors’ ability to cope with the disease, manage side effects of treatment and improve their well-being.

The program, delivered online and in the future at various locations including the Jackson Medical Mall and Hope Lodge, offers patients valuable resources at their fingertips.

"I am able to go back and refer to the materials because the university gave us a binder to accompany the virtual presentations, and they will send us the videos,” said McAllister. “We have the information, so the question is whether we are going to apply it. That’s what I’m doing now, applying the information I’ve received."

"Educational programs geared toward cancer patients are important for a cancer center to provide, ensuring that we consistently place our patients at the center of our care,” said Dr. Rodney Rocconi, director of CCRI and Ergon Chair of Cancer Research. “What’s exciting is that, although this initiative started with our patients at UMMC, our goal is to extend it to all cancer patients across the state, regardless of where they receive treatment.”

On Sept. 16, CCRI will unveil the second cohort of its Survivor University program. McAllister hopes that more cancer patients will participate in the initiative and expressed gratitude to the University of Mississippi Medical Center for its support.

“UMMC is on the cutting edge, and this program is just another extension of what the university does,” said McAllister. “I’m grateful for science, because there’s been great strides made in breast cancer research.”

She also offers words of encouragement to fellow cancer patients as they navigate their own health quest.

"Don’t be afraid, and find a support group,” she said. “Having a good support system and faith can make a world of difference during your cancer journey."