Research shows that people living with cancer often struggle to manage their energy and resources in a way that allows them to take part in the everyday activities that matter most to them. Studies also show that activities that bring joy, involve physical movement, and offer social connection are especially important for coping with advanced cancer. These kinds of activities can help shift focus away from illness and problems, and instead bring meaning to the time that remains.
Because of this, people with cancer need support that both helps them function as well as possible and gives them opportunities to experience relief and well-being.
The project "Balance, Activity and Quality of Life" (BALanSE) focuses on developing and testing a community-based program that supports people in finding balance in their daily activities, experiencing joy, and improving their quality of life. The program is mainly group-based and includes workshops with presentations and hands-on activities.
A first version of the program was tested at the research clinic at REHPA - the Danish Knowledge Centre for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care - and showed that participants experienced improved health-related quality of life. This positive outcome forms the basis for further developing the program into a municipal service, so more people can benefit from it.
The next phase of development and testing is being done in collaboration with the Center for Cancer Rehabilitation and Palliative Care in Odense Municipality. The project also includes research-based strategies to reduce social inequality in health.
The project is anchored at the Research Unit for User Perspectives and Citizen-Centered Interventions at the University of Southern Denmark.
The overall goal of the project is to further develop and test the program as a municipal service for people with cancer, supporting them in managing daily life and participating in meaningful activities that bring joy and balance-ultimately helping them experience the best possible quality of life.
