To find local cancer support groups, you can consider the following options:
- Ask Your Health Care Team: Inquire if your cancer center or hospital has cancer support groups. Your hospital social worker can also guide you to local support groups.
- Online Search and Databases: Conduct an online search for groups in your area. The National Cancer Institute suggests using their database “Organizations that Offer Cancer Support Services” to find relevant organizations such as CancerCare and the Cancer Support Community.
- Advocacy Groups and Organizations: Look for advocacy groups or organizations specific to your type of cancer, as many offer support groups and listservs for your needs.
- Patient Advocacy Groups and Hospitals: Many hospitals and cancer centers host support groups for their patients. You can search for a list of patient advocacy groups by specific disease types.
- Local Healthcare Facilities: Reach out to local healthcare facilities, as they often host support groups for cancer patients. For example, the Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Hospital offers a variety of support groups for different types of cancer and life stages.
- Online Resources: Consider online resources such as virtual support groups and forums provided by various organizations, which can be particularly helpful for those who prefer online interactions.
By exploring these options, you can find local cancer support groups that best meet your needs and provide the necessary support during your cancer journey.
Why join one?
Joining a cancer support group can offer several benefits, including:
- Emotional Support and Connection: It provides an opportunity to relate to others who are going through similar experiences, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- Coping Strategies: Members can share practical advice for dealing with various challenges, such as managing treatment side effects, navigating the healthcare system, and coping with emotional distress.
- Improved Quality of Life and Health Outcomes: Research suggests that participation in support groups can lead to improved quality of life and even better health outcomes for cancer patients.
- Hope and Resilience: Support groups can foster hope and resilience in the face of adversity, helping individuals develop a more positive attitude towards their illness.
- Practical Assistance: They can help individuals deal with practical problems, such as issues at work or school, and provide information on resources and services available to cancer patients.
It’s important to find a support group that feels like a good fit, and while support groups can be beneficial for many, some individuals may find other sources of support more helpful.
Where to go online to get more help:
[1] https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/adjusting-to-cancer/support-groups
[2] https://www.cancercare.org/tagged/support_groups
[3] https://www.cancer.net/coping-with-c%C3%A1ncer/finding-social-support-and-information/support-groups
[4] https://nyulangone.org/locations/perlmutter-cancer-center/cancer-support-services/perlmutter-cancer-center-support-groups-counseling
[5] https://www.cancer.org/about-us/what-we-do/providing-support.html