Mental health issues after a cancer diagnosis are common and costly.  Proven community-based prevention programs can increase participants' knowledge and create positive changes in behavior.  These programs could save thousands of dollars in health-care costs and even prevent deaths by suicide.

Bourbon County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences presented Taking Care of Mental Health during Cancer to eleven participants.  After the program, 100% of the participants reported that they increased their understanding of how to identify symptoms.  Also, 100% reported that they could identify questions to ask their health-care team and increased their understanding of mental health best practices.

Evaluation comments from participants included:

"The list of questions to ask your health care providers was extremely informative.  These would help someone to get through the 'fog' of a new diagnosis."

"After getting a cancer diagnosis, you go into survival mode, both physically and mentally.  So for the duration of treatment, you're constantly pushing your body to keep going.  You also have to keep a positive attitude for yourself and your loved ones.  This can be a tremendous strain on your mental well-being.  Sometimes that part of the treatment plan is overlooked.  Thanks for this informative session."