Cancer patients often hesitate to find support in a community group or online support network. They may be scared, embarrassed, or skeptical of support groups. Yet, support is often what they most need. And research shows that support networks are valuable resources for both cancer patients and their families. Studies link support groups to improved mental and emotional health and a better quality of life.
As any group member will testify, support networks are not scary, embarrassing, dubious, or depressing. Support group meetings are likely to be full of joy and laughter, as people celebrate life together. Group members are real people with real struggles, who offer real support to one another. In the words of the Cancer Survivor Network, they “live life to the fullest, one day at a time.”
Community Support Networks
People are often surprised when they learn just how much support they have in their fight against cancer — support in the form of others who have been there before them. Cancer patients can find support in healthcare communities, churches, community centers, and even school classrooms. Hospice centers provide palliative support during the last months of life.
A recent study of breast cancer patients linked weekly support group meetings with an improved quality of life and even improved survival time. What works for breast cancer survivors can help people with melanoma, thyroid cancer, mesothelioma, and other illnesses. Even people facing the most unfavorable situations, such as going through mesothelioma treatment or late-stage prostate cancer surgery, can find encouragement, empowerment, and tips to deal with the treatments through community support networks.
Online Support Networks
Online support networks, like the “I Can Cope” cancer support group and the online cancer group at Inspire.com are excellent support systems for people affected by cancer. Through these American Cancer Society programs, cancer survivors celebrate life and uplift each other through blog articles, discussion boards, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other online communication.
Talking about the cancer experience with people who can appreciate the struggle is valuable during treatment and recovery. Online support groups give people with cancer a sense of belonging, as well as a place to share their feelings openly, honestly, and even anonymously if they choose. Writing about fears and frustrations, in blog posts and discussion forums, is also therapeutic practice. Putting pen to paper, so to speak, helps cancer patients better understand their situation so they can better cope with their disease.
Every person’s cancer struggle is different, and there is no right or wrong way to cope. A supportive relationship with doctors, friends, and family members is vital for any cancer patient. But the benefits of celebrating life with people who have fought the battle with cancer and survived are immeasurable and priceless.
By: David Haas
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