Today, there are a number of cancer support groups for cancer patients. If you are suffering from breast cancer, liver cancer, tumor cancer or any other kind of cancer, a cancer support group can help you to a very large degree. They are even known to aid cancer treatment by giving the cancer patients enough emotional support to put them through the ordeal of facing this condition.
Cancer support groups are found all over the country – in local hospitals, in community centers, in cancer centers, private homes and churches. You can choose the support group depending on what kind of place you prefer.
What are the things that you should note?
There are a few things that cancer patients should look into while they are choosing a support group. For instance, check if the group is a closed group or a drop-in one. In a closed group, you will have the comfort of knowing that you will come across the same cancer patients in each session. Drop-ins on the hand are more flexible and the members of these sessions can change from week to week.
Also, check who is in charge of the group? Some of the cancer support sessions are led by experienced counselors or trained psychotherapists, while there might be fellow survivors leading the group too.
Another thing that you should note for your own peace of mind is what kind of people show up in the cancer support group. For instance, in case of breast cancer, there are groups that are open only to patients of this group.
The stage in which the cancer patients are in the group is also important. This is because; the groups may be full of patients who are in post-treatment. Some may have recurring cancer and metastases, or a mix of all stages. So, for a woman who has just been diagnosed with cancer, may not like to interact with breast cancer patients dealing with end-of-life situations.
A cancer support group is meant to help cancer patients. You need to choose a group with an environment that suits your beliefs. If you have a religious bent of mind, you can choose a group that supports through religious discussions. There are also practical support groups. All you need to do is, check what suits you best.
Support group for the family and friends of cancer patients
The family and friends of the cancer patient may also sometimes attend cancer support groups, as this helps both the parties deal with the situation in a much better way.
Why should you join cancer support groups?
Support groups can give you an immense amount of support. It was first proved with extreme certainty by a Stanford University doctor, David Spiegel. A number of researches have proved that cancer support group can be extremely beneficial for the cancer patients.
However, it should also be remembered that a support group cannot substitute the love and care of a family. However, it can help you to get things into perspective. Since you will be meeting other cancer patients like yourself, you can feel at ease around them.
