cancer support groups are in each state, and many exist for some types of cancer, but what is a group for a rare cancer like mesothelioma? This kind of support seemed like a dream to anyone diagnosed with the rare cancer.
Until recently.
With a little help from technology, that dream became a reality in May when the first group of specific support to mesothelioma collected online, bringing mesothelioma patients, caregivers and survivors throughout the country.
The first meeting was a success, and last week, the growing group met for the second time to learn more about how stress affects the cancer and just offer support to anyone to cope with mesothelioma.
support group that meets the second Wednesday of each month, is led by Dana Nolan, a licensed mental health counselor who works closely with cancer patients and their caregivers. Each month, Dana started the support group session with an information presentation on a topic related to cancer and psychology, and participants are invited to ask questions and share experiences. This month sent a hot topic.? How cancer impacts of stress
Does Stress Cause Cancer
Dana began presenting a revealing fact: Many patients believe that stress is a cause of their cancer.
Because mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, patients with this cancer may not place as much emphasis on stress, but many people with mesothelioma do fear the stress will have a negative impact on prognosis or even reduce their life expectancy. Some people also fear that stress causes their cancer return after successful treatment.
All that stress on the stress can not be good, but how is it bad?
Studies show that psychological stress alone does not cause cancer. That's a relief. But experimental studies have also shown that psychological stress can impact the spread (metastasize) and to the growth of a tumor.
Studies in mice show that tumors are more likely to grow and metastasize when mice under chronic stress. But even if the growth of the tumor stress impacted in studies, survival for all cancers was not affected, indicating that stress does not shorten life expectancy.
What researchers do know is that cancer patients who practice a better adaptation strategies for stress does have a better quality of life. The National Cancer Institute recommends the following tactics to help cancer patients to reduce psychological stress:
- Learn relaxation techniques
- Take a class in meditation
- Attend courses cancer education
- reach for social support
- exercise
- Join a support group
a Safe Place to share
Because mesothelioma is rare compared to other cancers, it is difficult for patients and caregivers to find and connect with others can relate firsthand. , Sure general cancer support groups may be available, and they offer a great forum for mesothelioma patients to feel supported. But nothing beats the connection with someone who understands your state personally.
Since the participants can join the group online or by phone, people across the country can easily connect with other people affected by mesothelioma.
"We hope that we are on is a little more acceptable and not quite as scary, because you do not have to walk into a room full of strangers," said Dana. "You can sit in the comfort of your own home on the phone or on the computer and ask questions."
After the presentation of information, participants asked questions and shared personal experiences. Topics discussed included the treatment options and how they affect the quality of life, coping strategies, and caregivers means can take care of themselves throughout the experience.
A caregiver strongly encourage other caregivers take care of themselves, while another participant stressed the importance of today's life and stay in the present moment. A woman who could not speak with her husband about her diagnosis two months shared that joining the group was the first step of talking about cancer with others -. A testament to the importance of this support is to the mesothelioma community
Two main objectives are monthly sessions provide a space for people to feel safe to share their emotions and connect with others who can relate. Although mesothelioma can feel like a nightmare for anyone coping with the disease, the ability to share with others personally affected by mesothelioma is a dream.
Have you participated in a support group of cancer? Or have you considered joining a support group? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or by visiting our Facebook page.
