Background/Rationale:
Psychological distress, body image disturbances, and reduced quality of life are prevalent among women diagnosed with gynecological cancers, both during and after treatment. The ENGAGe initiative “To my Soul Tuesdays” was adapted as a structured psychoeducational group intervention in Hungary to support emotional recovery, resilience, sexual health and meaning-making in this target population. Our aim was to implement and pilot this program in a clinical setting, integrating evidence-based psychological techniques tailored to cancer survivors.
Methods:
The program targeted women undergoing treatment or in survivorship following gynecological cancer (endometrial, cervical, or ovarian). A semi-structured, closed in-person group format was used (N=10), meeting 8 times (2 hours/session) weekly. The 8 modules covered: (1) Body and Identity, (2) Emotions and Regulation, (3) Coping and Self-Care, (4) Sexuality and Intimacy, (5) Meaning and Hope, (6) Communication and Boundaries, (7) Resilience and Reconnection, and (8) Closure and Integration. Techniques included psychoeducation, guided reflection, relaxation, narrative and creative tools, and peer support. Pre-, post-, and two-month follow-up assessments included the EORTC QLQ-C30 with disease-specific modules (EN24, CX24, OV28), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-25), and Body Image Scale (BIS).
Impact on Practice:
This program offers a scalable, structured group format suitable for integration into psycho-oncology services across outpatient or community settings. It balances psychoeducational and experiential elements while directly addressing themes commonly underrepresented in medical care, such as identity, emotional processing, and long-term psychological adaptation.
Discussion:
Preliminary results demonstrate reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms (HADS), improved self-perceived quality of life and functioning (EORTC QLQ-C30/EN24/CX24/OV28), higher resilience (CD-RISC), and improved body image (BIS) at post-assessment and follow-up. This implementation highlights the feasibility and relevance of psychosocial group interventions in gynecologic oncology, supporting long-term adjustment and emotional well-being. Broader dissemination is excepted to support international replication and cultural adaptation.