CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS

“I finally met a fellow young patient with ovarian cancer. We shared our experiences . . . I realized that other patients could give me something unique which I could not obtain from my doctors or nurses, however caring.” (Vicky Clement-Jones, a doctor and cancer patient)

Support groups are informal meetings of cancer patients, which may include families, friends and carers. They can provide valuable emotional and practical support. (There are also support groups for bereaved family members and friends.)

A support group can provide opportunities to:

•  Obtain information

•  Express and share feelings (anxiety, fear, isolation)

•  Discuss frustrations

•  Improve communication with professional staff

•  Discuss problems of communicating with others

•  Exchange practical advice

•  Learn complementary approaches or visualization techniques

Anxiety and depression are common in cancer patients, fueled by treatment, or fear of recurrence, or progression of disease. Information given in a supportive environment can reduce stress. Groups can enable people to feel supported without the intensity of one to one counseling. People often feel supported even if they do not actively participate, although giving support (as well as receiving it) increases the benefit. Most people feel happier and relaxed after attending a group, and clearer about ways of coping with cancer.

The death of a group member causes sadness and (sometimes) other emotions, but provided these feelings are discussed the morale of the group members is not usually affected. (see Coping with Dying)

The author and publisher have taken precautions to ensure that the information in this book is error-free. However, readers must be guided by their own personal and professional standards of good practice in evaluating and applying recommendations made herein. The contents of this book represent the views and experience of the author, and not necessarily those of the publisher.