I developed, encouraged and facilitated many cancer support groups over the past 20 years.
Some of these groups were open to people with any cancer diagnosis. Some groups were designed only for caregivers. Others provided a place where people with specific cancer diagnosis might meet others with the same condition
Many support groups across the country are found in hospitals. churches, synagogues and other places of worship, community centers, private homes and online.
All cancer support groups provide much needed psychosocial support, no matter who actually attends the group. I saw firsthand the psychological benefits of support and peer group participants heard about how much they get out of their participation.
But support groups are not for all patients, not every patient attending a group. Studies show that 5 to 20 percent of cancer patients attend support group during or after cancer treatment.
Benefits of a support group
Many patients say they already have a good support, or they don ?? t feel well enough to attend. Others are uncomfortable sharing their experiences with foreigners or think they hear stories of other cancer patients will be depressing.
However, those who choose to participate in a support group of cancer does have advantages. In fact, studies have specifically measured the emotional and psychological improvements after attending a cancer support group
Support groups help members :.
- Decreased anxiety
- Reducing psychological distress
- Improving adaptive coping with stressors related to cancer
- Increase esteem self
participants support groups also report numerous benefits from their participation, including:
a sense of
many cancer patients even those with good support from family, relatives say their gift ?? t understand all the emotions that accompany a cancer diagnosis. Having a place where cancer patients don ?? t have to explain or educate others about their diagnosis and treatment is comforting.
Normalization
It is difficult to know if what you're thinking or feeling (physically or emotionally) is normal when you are battling cancer. Hear your side effects are normal for another cancer patient through the process is reassuring and helps patients feel normal.
A safe place to give and receive support
Many cancer patients say they are reluctant to share what they feel or experience with their relatives because they born ?? t want to burden or worry more. By definition, cancer support groups are places where patients can share their thoughts and feelings, not just the positives. Group members also benefit from being able to listen, support and standardize the other group members. It is good to give and receive support.
Improved confidence and self-esteem
Most members of the support group report feeling empowered by the group. They feel less stigmatized as a cancer patient and realize their thoughts and feelings are understandable.
better able to communicate with the health care team
Cancer patients report feeling that they communicate more effectively with their health care providers with a forum to discuss options treatment, side effects and terminology of the disease
. They learn the terminology and follow protocols unknown to most people in treatment. Members of the support group often educate each other on how to navigate the medical and hospital systems, learn more about clinical trials and how to get the help they need professional health care .
New Way for cancer patients to support each other
In the last decade, many cancer patients have turned to the Web to give and receive support. There are dozens of forums that allow cancer patients to share their stories, ask about the side effects of treatment and treatment options, and read other patients ?? cancer accounts of their trips.
Some of these forums are moderated by a health professional or a professional mental health, but some are not.
Another great week joined an online support group, which is just like a regular support group, but you do ?? t have to leave your house.
you call or log in using your computer.
Mesothelioma Center is one of the few online support groups which meet monthly. It is open only to those with mesothelioma and their carers. Each meeting includes a short educational presentation and is followed by a lively discussion between group members who share their cancer experience and ask questions of others with mesothelioma.
Because mesothelioma is so rare, it is difficult for patients to find peer support in their own community. An online support group recently about mesothelioma adaptation has allowed people to connect with others from around the country and the world.
Patients and caregivers said they look forward to the meetings because it provides them a place where they can learn from others who are struggling against the same disease.
