An estimated 3.5 million people are now living with and beyond cancer in the United Kingdom, driven by advances in early diagnosis and treatment. However, finishing medical intervention does not automatically mean returning to life as it was before the disease, as many survivors face persistent fatigue, fear of recurrence, emotional distress, and loss of confidence.
Evaluating ACT Plus Interventions in Clinical Trials
To address unmet psychological and supportive-care needs, researchers at the University of Westminster conducted a qualitative study published on 24 July 2026 in the European Journal of Cancer Care (DOI: 10.48130/ejcc-0026-0008). Anna Cheshire’s team examined patient use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy plus usual aftercare, known as ACT+, within the multicenter SURECAN randomized controlled trial.
The study specifically focused on individuals who had completed cancer treatment with curative intent within the previous 24 months or were in long-term remission, yet still reported a reduced quality of life. The research team purposively selected 24 patients who had received at least four ACT+ sessions, ensuring variation across cancer types, ages, genders, and ethnicities, alongside five trained ACT+ therapists.
Patient Experiences and Core Mindfulness Mechanisms
Through telephone and Microsoft Teams interviews analyzed in NVivo 14, investigators identified four overarching themes: engagement with ACT+ processes, the practical delivery of ACT+ theory, positive cycles of psychological adaptation, and receptivity and relational influences.
Mindfulness emerged as the most frequently discussed component. Participants highlighted present-moment awareness as a vital tool to step back from distressing thoughts, lower anxiety, and react less automatically to difficult emotions. Alongside mindfulness, “doing what matters”—particularly committed action—allowed survivors to break goals down into manageable steps, resume daily routines, reconnect with friends and partners, and reengage with creative pursuits.
Barriers and Facilitators in Therapy Delivery
Practical exercises, memorable metaphors, and tailored goal planning strengthened overall engagement with the intervention. Participants noted that skilled, warm, and non-judgemental therapists helped them feel safe, understood, and less isolated.
Yet experiences were not universally positive. Some patients found the 92-page manual overly long or difficult to use while battling fatigue or cognitive problems. Structured exercise programs and work-related goals proved unsuitable for everyone.
Future Directions for Cancer Rehabilitation Research
The study indicates that the benefits of ACT+ stem from the interaction of mindfulness, acceptance, values, manageable action, and a strong therapeutic relationship, rather than any single technique. Researchers emphasize that delivery must be paced and adapted to each survivor’s specific health status, readiness, and priorities.
Future research must include individuals who discontinued therapy, evaluate different cancer and demographic groups, assess remote delivery models, and explore whether simplified, co-designed resources can improve overall engagement and equitable access.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACT Plus and Cancer Survivorship
What is ACT+ in the context of cancer survivorship?
ACT+ combines Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with usual aftercare, focusing on mindfulness, acceptance, values, and committed action to help survivors manage post-treatment psychological distress.
Who conducted the University of Westminster study?
Anna Cheshire and her team at the University of Westminster conducted the qualitative study, which was published on 24 July 2026 in the European Journal of Cancer Care.
How many participants were interviewed for the study?
The researchers interviewed 24 patients who received at least four ACT+ sessions and five trained ACT+ therapists.
What were the main benefits reported by participants?
Participants reported that mindfulness helped reduce anxiety and distress, while committed action enabled them to break goals into manageable steps, resume routines, and reconnect with loved ones.
What challenges did participants face with the therapy?
Some survivors found the 92-page manual too long or difficult to use while experiencing fatigue or cognitive issues, and structured exercise or work goals did not fit everyone's needs.
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