Hearing a cancer diagnosis is never an easy thing, and it comes alongside a myriad of incredibly complicated emotions. Knowing how to navigate a devastating diagnosis like cancer, as well as how to manage the feelings that come with it, can feel like a neverending battle.
However, it’s essential not to feel hopeless at the beginning of your cancer journey. Alongside traditional methods of treatment like chemotherapy, there are other types of care you should be looking into to help you on your journey. This includes options like integrated oncology and support groups.
Support groups, in particular, can help you cope with all aspects of your cancer diagnosis. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed, have been battling cancer for a while, or you’re in remission, here is exactly how support groups can help you.
Firstly, what are cancer support groups?
This might seem like stating the obvious, but chances are that until you get a diagnosis, you’ve never had to consider what a cancer support group is. Essentially, it’s a space for individuals with cancer to gather and help each other navigate the complex feelings and emotions that come with the illness.
They can be incredibly beneficial for individuals with cancer as it can really help to talk to others who know exactly what you’re going through. Cancer can be quite an isolating experience, so gathering with individuals on the same journey can help at every stage.
What happens at cancer support groups?
Contrary to what it may sound like, a lot of cancer support groups aren’t just sitting in a circle discussing your diagnosis and treatment options. Every group is different, so it might be worth shopping around to find the one that suits what you’re looking for best.
These are some of the kinds of activities that you may partake in if you join a cancer support group.
- Getting together for a tea or coffee and a chat with one or more members of the group
- Getting together to hear an invited guest speaker
- Taking part in arts and crafts
- Getting together to go for walks, swims or other kinds of physical activity.
Cancer support groups meet regularly, and they’re not just for individuals who have cancer. They’re also there for loved ones who need support as well. Whether you have cancer and you’re looking to meet with like-minded individuals or someone you love has the disease, and you’re looking for an outlet – cancer support groups are here to help.
What are the benefits of cancer support groups?
Cancer support groups can help you in a number of ways. Here are some of the most common benefits you may experience when you join a support group near you.
1. Additional Support
Whether you have an extensive support network of loved ones or not, cancer support groups can offer you an additional layer of support. They work to address your social and emotional needs as well as provide you with resources and support during an incredibly difficult period.
It’s not uncommon to feel like you are burdening your loved ones during your cancer journey, so getting additional support from individuals outside your circle can be incredibly beneficial. It also helps that individuals in the support group are in the same situation as you, so they know the kinds of support you may need without you having to even ask for it.
2. Building A Compassionate Community
Cancer support groups are the perfect safe space for you to connect with people who have a shared experience. It’s important to remember you aren’t alone, and a cancer support group can help you to see just that.
Building a community of individuals who know exactly what you’re going through can help you remember you aren’t facing your journey alone.
3. Support During Treatment
Cancer treatment can be a gruelling experience, and it’s certainly not easy. There are dedicated groups for specific kinds of cancers so that you can connect with individuals in your exact situation. This can help you during treatment as you’re able to share side effects and symptoms as well as solutions for managing these issues.
Whilst every treatment journey is different, being able to talk to others who have experienced the same or similar side effects can really help you find pain or symptom management techniques that work best for you.
4. Better Quality Of Life
Joining a support group can really improve your quality of life. Just having somewhere to go during your cancer journey at the same time every week can really make a difference to your overall mood.
Support groups help to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, so it’s a must-try for individuals during any stage of their cancer journey.
5. Support In Remission
Beating cancer may not magically get rid of all the difficult emotions you’ve been feeling during your cancer journey. In fact, being in remission can come with its own level of stress and anxiety.
Support during remission can connect you with resources and survivors in the same stage of recovery as you so that you can lean on people who have been there as you adjust to your new life post-cancer.
6. Support For Family & Friends
Having a loved one with cancer can be difficult to navigate, and support groups are available for the loved ones of those affected.
Caregiver support groups allow family and friends a safe space to share experiences whilst also receiving support for stress, anxiety and other difficult emotions that can come with being a primary caregiver for a loved one with cancer.
How do I know if a support group is right for me?
Like every aspect of the cancer journey, knowing whether a support group is right for you is deeply personal. It’s important to try out support groups firsthand, though, before writing them off as not for you. You may need to shop around for a support group whose activities and members align most with what you’re looking for.
Ask your cancer treatment team for local support groups in your area and talk to any family and friends who have been to support groups in the past to find the perfect fit for you.
Your cancer journey is completely unique, but support groups can really help you to navigate this incredibly trying and difficult time the best you can.
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