Cancer support groups are a wonderful outlet for many patients, offering a web of support and information for those who choose to participate. If you have recently been diagnosed with cancer or are going through treatment, you may have realized the importance of support in your life from others who are living through a similar experience. You also may be confused or do not know how to find a support group that meets your emotional or informational needs in your journey with treatment. Joining a cancer support community can help you manage your emotions and offer you valuable information about the type of cancer you have and treatment options. In this article, you will learn how to look for and choose a cancer support group that fits what you need. 

Background

A cancer support group is a place for you to work through the difficult challenges of living with cancer in a safe and caring environment. In a support group, you will meet people who are living through a similar life experience and can understand what you are going through on a personal level. People who join a cancer support group report that they feel less stressed and emotional burdens lifted after meetings. If you are looking for a cancer support group you may have noticed there are different types from which to choose, including online and in-person support groups. 

Online support groups are a place for you to meet people with cancer in the comfort of your own home. These meetings can take place in webinars, “chat rooms”, social media, and in moderated discussion groups. These meetings are ideal for many cancer patients because they do not require travelling, limit exposure to pathogens, and can be scheduled in a way that fits your schedule. 

Support groups that take place in person carry the benefit of meeting people with a similar experience directly. These meetings are usually led by a trained moderator. The environment in these meetings tend to promote a closeness because you can interact with the members of the meeting in a social setting that is removed from the stresses of home. 

5 Things to Look For When Choosing Your Support Group

A Safe and Supportive Emotional Environment 

When you are going through the challenges of diagnosis and treatment for cancer, it is important that you are surrounded by people who are safe and supportive. While there are moments in group meetings where people share difficult and even dark feelings of depression or hopelessness, a proper emotional environment should feel positive and uplifting. Moreover, you want to feel that you can openly express the emotions you are experiencing among people who embrace what you are sharing without comment or judgement. After a group meeting or participation in an online forum, you should feel better and more able to cope with the challenges that living with cancer brings. If at any moment you do not feel supported or feel worse after a meeting, know you can leave the group and find one that supports you in the ways you need. 

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of support, especially in a cancer community. You want to know that your words will be honored in confidence and not shared outside of meetings. Your support group should have a code of confidentiality that is clearly available to you from the start. You most likely will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement if you are a member of an in-person support group. While you are in a support group, you will learn very personal information about someone else’s health and personal life in general. As you want your confidentiality honored, you too will agree to not reveal anything heard in a meeting outside of the meetings’ walls. This includes online forums as well as those that take place in person. It is an absolute must that you know your stories and personal details about your life are held in confidence and trust. 

Sponsorship by a Hospital, Cancer Center, or Cancer Organization

Before you choose a cancer support group, check to see if it is officially sponsored by a hospital, cancer center, or a cancer organization. If your group is affiliated with a reputable organization, you will be assured that the information and resources shared during meetings are connected to a qualified medical care provider or organization. For example, the American Cancer Society (ACS) is a nonprofit organization that strives to not only fund research for cancer but also provides a substantial amount of resources for people living with or touched by cancer. There are several other programs and support groups that are hosted by hospitals, cancer care centers, and private organizations nationwide. Check with your physician and/or counselor to find one that is best for you. 

A Qualified Moderator

The support group you choose should be facilitated by a trained professional who has special knowledge in the field of oncology. This does not mean that a group that is moderated by a cancer survivor is not a good choice for you. Several groups are led by a cancer survivor and many prefer the guidance of someone who has lived through cancer over a medical professional. Some groups will be facilitated by a cancer specialist and mental health professional. These type of groups offer you the opportunity to receive sound medical advice along with support for your mental health. If you are looking to find an online cancer support group, look for an online support group  whose moderators specialize in oncology.Online moderated discussion groups are usually led by trained moderators who are well-versed in the knowledge of cancer, including treatments and the complexities of the disease. 

No Fees Required or Donations Requested

Cancer support groups typically are free of charge and pressure to donate. Most cancer support communities are sponsored by a medical center, hospital, or non-profit organization that funds the groups through private donors or grants. If you come across a support group that requires a fee or pushes you to donate, consider looking for support in a different place. A reputable organization will never ask you to pay money or ask for cash donations in exchange for support. 

If you are struggling with how to choose your support group, there are ways to make the choice easier. First and foremost, check with yourself to see if you feel comfortable in a group setting to share your personal life and feelings. These meetings may not be the best fit for everyone. Some may feel comfortable sharing personal issues to a trained therapist as opposed to a group of people. Others may not want to worry about other people’s experiences with cancer. Take your time with choosing the right one and check with your healthcare provider to make sure it is appropriate for you and your treatment. 

Remember that there are several different support groups available for you to choose from. You may have had a horrible experience at one type, but don’t let that discourage you from trying another. The value of being able to share your feelings, worries, concerns, and, yes, victories, can help improve the quality of your life and ease the burden of treatment. 

References

American Association for Cancer Research. (2021). How to find a support group. Retrieved from AACR: https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/patient-advocacy/education-inspiration/how-to-series/how-to-find-a-support-group/

National Cancer Institute. (2019, January 24). Cancer Support Groups. Retrieved from National Institutes of Health: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/adjusting-to-cancer/support-groups

Smith, E., & Schaab, D. (2021, February 04). How to choose a support group for cancer patients that’s right for you. Retrieved from Cancer Treatment Centers of America: https://www.cancercenter.com/community/blog/2021/02/support-group-for-cancer

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