In The News

Dealing with cancer is something no one wants to go through, yet it’s an unfortunate reality for many people. Making sure you have proper cancer support during treatment is important to ensure a better quality of life. Admittedly, it can be difficult to make the first step, especially if you have friends or family around you. Making sure you’re in a support group, whether physical or via another means of contact, is still important. The Jennie Stuart Medical Center team will explain why it’s necessary.

Why is social support important?

When you or a loved one must deal with cancer, it’s often an isolating, soul-crushing experience. Social support is vital to making sure you can cope effectively. Close connections are something we seek, as they provide bonding and security, as well as guidance and advice. Relationships, no matter how they are formed, allow you to be socially integrated with another person, as well as to have companionship. This allows you to not only receive love and care, but to reciprocate the reinforcement. Once this process is established, it’s likely you’ll have a good support system.

Stress, while thought of as something psychological, not only influences our mind and behavior, but also our physiology. It’s difficult to effectively manage stress in the light of devastating news such as a cancer diagnosis, and without proper support, you will likely find yourself incapable of coping with the stress levels and further difficult events. This can lead to depression, increasing health problems and slowing recovery.

Dealing with cancer is a journey unique to each person, but comfort and strength can be found in support groups. Together, you will learn to cope with challenges, have open discussions, and share triumphs, emotions, and experiences with those who best understand what you’re going through. Cancer support groups can help you bond, creating a sense of community and commonality, which will likely help to alleviate not only stress, but also isolation. On top of that, support groups also help broaden your perspective and provide practical tips for dealing with daily challenges. Generally speaking, support groups often make you feel less depressed and anxious, better able to manage your emotions.

What’s right for me?

Of course, one size doesn’t fit all. Support can happen through a variety of methods. Beyond face-to-face therapy, there are different support services and group resources available. Specialized groups exist for different cancer types, as well as educational programs offered at JSMC. Some groups are open to everyone, while others are geared toward people of a certain gender, culture, or age. Whatever group you choose, it’s important to find one that’s right for you — so consider browsing a few that are available. 

Don’t be afraid to ask the contact person questions, such as how large the group is, who attends, and how often they meet. Other things you may want to know include how long the meetings last, how often they take place, who leads, and what the main purpose is. Getting a clear picture is vital to making sure the group is a good fit for you. Of course, you may not feel ready to actively participate, which is also all right. You can always listen and observe, and only participate when you feel ready. It’s also possible to be paired with someone who’s had the same sort of cancer you have, and perhaps also matches your age range or background.

If meeting in person is not for you, other options are available. Telephone support groups work like conference calls, bringing people together from all over the city, country, and world. Online support groups are another alternative. People meet in chat rooms or moderated discussion groups, and can converse via email or chat. These groups are accessible any time day or night, making them a good option for those who find it difficult to travel. Of course, it’s important to consult with your doctor about anything you learn over the Internet. Make sure the group you ultimately choose is led by someone with special knowledge of oncology, is sponsored legitimately, respects your privacy and confidentiality, and doesn’t charge a fee. 

What’s the next step?

Of course, making the decision to seek a cancer support group is a monumental one. Finding the right fit can be overwhelming. At Jennie Stuart Medical Center in Hopkinsville, KY, we’re here to help! Making sure you find the right support group to aid in your cancer treatment is important to us, so get in touch. We can help you sort it out!

For more information, give us a call at (270) 887-0100!