Long-term survivors of ovarian, tubal or peritoneal cancer support other patients as mentors
In this new study project, long-term survivors of ovarian, tubal or peritoneal cancer will help other patients as mentors with their accumulated experience in dealing with the disease. The mentors have lived with the diagnosis of ovarian, tubal or peritoneal cancer for at least 5 years, whereas the patients to be accompanied (mentees) received their diagnosis less than 5 years ago.
This support by those affected themselves has a long tradition as so-called “peer counseling” and is a very effective support option for those affected. The pilot program is intended to complement existing care and support services.
Videos and several online seminars (webinars) will be used to prepare the mentors for their work. Representatives of various disciplines (medicine, psychology, social pedagogy, nutrition science) are involved as speakers for the videos and webinars. During the mentoring activity, the mentors are supported by regular supervision.
The project is accompanied scientifically. Questionnaires and interviews are conducted with the participants at various points in time.
The study project takes place at the Charité Clinic for Gynecology with Center for Oncological Surgery at the Charité Campus Virchow Klinikum under the direction of Prof. Dr. Sehouli. The project coordinator is Özlem Özöncel, a graduate psychologist.
If you are interested in participating in the Ovar-Lotsen Project, as a mentor or mentee, please contact Dipl. Psychologin Özlem Özöncel at: ovar-lotse@charite.de.