Poster Presentation 2025 Joint Meeting of the COSA ASM and IPOS Congress

Post-COVID-19 Cancer Peer Support in Metropolitan Tokyo, Japan: Current Status and Challenges (126697)

Satomi Fukui 1 2 , Yoshiko Ikeguchi 3 , Honoka Sakon 1 , Yuko Okamoto 1 , Kiyoko Takashima 4 , Noriko Yonemura 5 , Nobuya Akizuki 6 , Akifumi Nakamura 7 , Asao Ogawa 8
  1. Department of Human Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Arakawa-ward, Tokyo, Japan
  2. NPO Cancer Support Community Tokyo, Minato-ward, Tokyo, Japan
  3. Department of Nursing, Seitoku University, Matsudo city, Chiba, Japan
  4. Department of Nursing, Musashino University, Koto ward, Tokyo, Japan
  5. Homecare nursing agency of Denenchofu Medical Association, Ota ward, Tokyo, Japan
  6. Department of Psycho-Oncology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Bunkyo ward, Tokyo, Japan
  7. Medical Policy Division, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
  8. Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa city, Chiba, Japan

【Purpose】Peer support is highly effective for cancer-related distress but cannot rely solely on professionals. Japan’s Cancer Control Act (2007) promoted peer support, but sustaining services—especially in hospitals—has been challenging. The COVID-19 pandemic halted all peer support activities. In 2024, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government conducted peer supporter training to strengthen services. However, the post-pandemic status remains unclear. This study evaluates peer support programs in Tokyo.

【Sample and setting】The study surveyed 499 institutions in Tokyo, including cancer hospitals, patient organizations, support groups, nursing stations, and public health offices.

【Procedures】Between December 2024 and February 2025, research requests and questionnaires were sent via email or postal mail. The survey gathered details on peer support programs, including activity types, eligibility, organization, and training. Responses were collected online or by return envelope. The study received approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB).

【Results】A total of 102 responses were collected (20% response rate), including 32 hospitals, 5 government entities, and 65 patient groups. Peer support activities included individual consultations (41 cases) and salon-style group sessions (61 cases). Programs were managed by healthcare professionals (24 cases), peer-professional collaborations (42 cases), and peer-led initiatives (36 cases).

Within designated cancer hospitals, peer support included three in-person consultations, two telephone consultations, and three online consultations. Salon-style sessions comprised one peer-led self-help group, ten collaborative groups, and thirteen healthcare professional-led groups. 56.8% of programs were in Tokyo’s 23 wards, 13.8% in the other municipalities, and 20.1% online. Peer support training participation was reported in 68% of hospitals, 60% of government programs, and 44% of community groups.

【Conclusion and clinical implication】Regional patient groups complement hospital-based peer support, which is mostly healthcare-led or collaborative. Increasing trained peer supporters and structured matching systems will improve access and quality. Strengthening training and hospital collaboration ensures long-term sustainability.