"In the same boat"-a mixed-methods exploration of reasons why male gastrointestinal cancer patients joined a professionally led men-only cancer support group

Purpose: Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patients often suffer high rates of distress and social isolation, partially due to symptoms that are embarrassing or difficult to discuss with family or friends. Group support therapies mitigate illness-related stigma and standardization; however, men, in particular, are more averse to joining. Through an ongoing men-only GI cancer support group, this study sought to understand who joined the groups, what facilitated group uptake, and explore men's reasons for enrolling in the group.

Methods: A mixed-methods study design and analysis were used. A qualitative design utilizing open-ended, semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis were used; Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) directed the inquiry towards facets of group uptake. Standardized measures were also used to assess distress, coping, and quality of life (QoL) and compared with normative values for cancer and general population. Data from qualitative and quantitative findings were triangulated.

Results: Participants included 35 male GI cancer patients, aged 28-72, at varying stages of illness and treatment. Themes related to group uptake and enrollment were endorsement; composition; and attitudes, and reasons for joining were learning new coping techniques and affiliations with similar others. Men's QoL and psychological distress scores were on par with cancer patient norms. The scores obtained from quantitative scales corroborated with our qualitative findings.

Conclusions: Despite psychosocial, demographic, and clinical variations, participants were keen on joining a male-only Supportive-Expressive Therapy (SET) group to address their emotional, informational, and supportive care needs and express their solidarity for other patients.

Implications for cancer survivors: Findings bear clinical relevance for designing GI male-centered group formats that endorse men's needs and facilitate their accessibility to group support interventions.