Acceptability, perceived outcomes and underlying mechanisms of a professionally led support group intervention for women with breast cancer using a qualitative method approach

OBJECTIVES: Breast cancer (BC) remains the most diagnosed cancer among women worldwide and its growing survivorship population faces numerous long-term physical and psychological challenges. Cancer support groups emerge as promising interventions to promote comprehensive management of the disease and survivorship needs, emotional well-being and social connection. Accordingly, this study aimed to analyse the acceptability and perceived impact of the Mind Support Group (MSG), a professionally led support group intervention designed for women with BC. DESIGN: A qualitative methodological approach was used to collect and analyse data. METHODS: Participants' feedback data were collected through a guided feedback discussion during the MSG final session and analysed using content and thematic analysis. RESULTS: The sample comprised 22 women diagnosed with BC (stages I-III). Findings showed high acceptability, with participants expressing satisfaction with several aspects of the intervention: interpersonal processes, content, group composition and perceived outcomes. Suggestions for improvement focused exclusively on the intervention dose (e.g., earlier access) and format (e.g., in-person delivery). Mechanisms of change and perceived outcomes also emerged from participants' feedback. Through social (e.g., shared information and experience), behavioural (e.g., self-disclosure) and psychological (e.g., emotional tension release) mechanisms, the MSG appeared to facilitate shifts toward more adaptive coping strategies, personal growth, a reduction in perceived isolation and alienation, and improved communication and self-management skills. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the MSG may serve as a valuable complement to medical treatment or, at minimum, inform the design of more comprehensive cancer care interventions integrating psychosocial support across the illness trajectory. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05642897; NCT06212414.