TY - JOUR T1 - <span hwp:id="article-title-1" class="article-title">Adolescents with cancer felt supported by connecting with others in similar circumstances through a teen support group</span><span hwp:id="article-title-2" class="sub-article-title">Commentary</span> JF - Evidence Based Nursing JO - Evid Based Nurs SP - 60 LP - 60 DO - 10.1136/ebn.12.2.60 VL - 12 IS - 2 AU - Dauna Crooks Y1 - 2009/04/01 UR - http://ebn.bmj.com/content/12/2/60.abstract N2 - J CassanoMs J Cassano, McMaster Children’s Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; cassanoj@hhsc.caWhat are adolescents’ perceptions of a teen support group for cancer?Qualitative descriptive study.A paediatric oncology treatment centre in Ontario, Canada.Purposeful sample of 11 adolescents 14–20 years of age (mean age 16 y, 55% men) who had cancer and were part of a teen support group.Adolescents participated in individual interviews lasting 20–45 minutes. Interviews were tape recorded, transcribed, coded, and analysed for themes; field notes were also analysed. To increase trustworthiness, researchers analysed data individually and then had group discussions to arrive at a common meaning of the data.2 themes described adolescents’ perceptions of a teen support group for cancer: (1) satisfying elements and (2) challenges. (1) Satisfying elements involved 3 subthemes. (a) Talking to others who “just know.” Adolescents with cancer felt an instant connection and comfort level with same-age peers who had similar experiences. They found it easier to discuss cancer-related topics within the group than with friends who did not have cancer. Discussions provided support when adolescents … ER -