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Reasons to Join a Cancer Support Group

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer, you might want to consider joining a cancer support group. While it may seem odd to some to share intimate details of your life with a group of strangers, joining a cancer support group has many positive benefits for you and your family during this difficult time.

  1. Support for You

    • Whether you are having difficulty with chemo side effects, balancing treatment with your work schedule, or just feel overwhelmed, having a group of people to talk to who understand your fears can help you feel less alone and give you the strength to fight your cancer.

    Support for Your Family

    • Some cancer support groups focus on the patients themselves, while other groups are formed to help family members of cancer patients come to terms with the illness of a loved one. Family members of cancer patients are just as scared as the patients themselves, and parents and children alike can benefit from a support group.

    Bereavement Support

    • If the worst happens and a patient succumbs to his or her cancer, a support group can provide support for the surviving family members by offering donations and a shoulder to cry on.

    A Panel of Knowledgeable Friends

    • A support group can give a cancer patient an outlet to ask questions, share stories, and learn more about cancer. In many ways, a good support group is like having a team of doctors and cancer experts on hand, and is an excellent resource for learning about side effects of certain treatments and sharing news about cutting-edge treatment options.

    Helping Others

    • If you are a survivor, you may want to join a support group to help other cancer patients cope with their illness and provide a source of hope.

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