Healing Together: Strengthening Mental Health Support for Female Cancer Survivors and Caregivers

Cancer journeys extend beyond physical treatment, often carrying significant emotional and psychological burdens that require compassionate, community-based support.

From 📅 March 3–5 | 📍 AAU Sefereselam Campus, the REACCT-CAN project conducted a peer mentor training aimed at preparing mentors to facilitate community dialogues on mental health among female cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers.

The training strengthened mentors’ capacity to lead supportive and empathetic conversations addressing the psychosocial challenges associated with cancer. Key topics included effective communication skills, common mental health conditions, self-care strategies for peer mentors, and an overview of breast and cervical cancer. The sessions were facilitated by Dr. Eyerusalem Solomon (Psychiatrist, Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital) and Dr. Edom Seife (Oncologist, Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital).

Following the training, Sisterhood Circles launched a series of community dialogue sessions starting March 6, Churchill Health Center. These sessions brought together cancer survivors to share lived experiences, discuss mental health challenges, and offer mutual peer support in a safe, compassionate, and empowering environment.

Through these initiatives, REACCT-CAN continues to strengthen holistic cancer care by integrating psychosocial support into survivorship and community-based cancer response systems.