Email This

Health Tip: Joining a Cancer Support Group

(HealthDay News) -- Support groups can be a great resource for people with cancer, their families, and other loved ones.

The National Cancer Institute lists these potential benefits of joining a support group:

  • They allow patients and loved ones to express their feelings, challenges and problems to others with similar experiences.

  • They can provide an opportunity to share tips and advice on dealing with cancer and the side effects of treatment.

  • They can help patients cope with the emotional effects of cancer, which is an important part of treatment.

  • They can help friends and family deal with the stress and other emotions associated with caring for someone with cancer.

Online Medical Reviewer: Sylvia Byrd, RN, BSN, MBA
Online Medical Reviewer: Daphne Pierce-Smith, RN, MSN, FNP, CCRC
Last Annual Review Date: 12/12/2008