After you have received a cancer diagnosis it is important to have a support system in place to help you through your cancer journey. One option cancer patients may find helpful is joining a support group. It is comforting to know that you are not alone and there are others who you can share your cancer experience with and who you can relate to. Here are some reasons why you should join a support group.
1. Opportunity to relate to others: While it is helpful to have friends and family who may want to support you sometimes they cannot relate to what you are going through. Joining a cancer support group will allow you to share your story with others who can relate to you, and can share their experiences with you which might be helpful. Being in a cancer support group enables you to know you are not alone, as there are other people who may feel just as worried and anxious as you do. Furthermore, it allows you to express your emotions without feeling judged as the people around you, will know how you feel and can empathise with you.
2. Helpful Coping Strategy: As a result of joining a cancer support group you will be able to gain coping strategies. Having cancer might mean you have yo undergo quite invasive treatment. Being part of a cancer support group will allow you to get advice or tips on how to cope with treatment, treatment options, pain management and any anxiety you might have.
3. Family, friends and carers can benefit too: Cancer support groups can be equally helpful for those who are taking care of, or are close to someone who has been given a cancer diagnosis. It is an opportunity to express emotions and be able to talk to others about your experience. Emotions which might have come about from having a loved one who has been cancer diagnosis.
4. Research has proven it to be helpful: A Cancer Care survey which was conducted showed that all whose lives have been affected by cancer benefit from support group participation. The survey highlighted that patients in support groups used more active coping strategies and felt more control over a cancer diagnosis.
5. You can share as much or as little as you want: Being part of a cancer support group gives you the opportunity to contribute as you wish i.e you can and talk about your experience and anything that might be on their minds, others may want to sit and listen, both can be effective.
Join the Cancer United Active Recovery Support Group: https://www.cancerunited.org.uk/support
Interested in becoming a member? We'd love to hear from you!
Phone: 01903 779880
Email: office@cancerunited.org.uk