Support groups are an important and widely available resource for people living with breast cancer. They are designed to increase the support network of the people in the group.
Types of support groups
Support groups vary in their focus. Some groups exist mainly to provide information and education (for example, what to expect with chemotherapy treatment as well as tips on how to cope). Other groups focus on providing emotional support. These groups encourage people to share their feelings. Both types of support groups play a role in the recovery process following diagnosis and treatment. Some groups are led by professionals, while others are more informal and take place in churches or homes. Some support groups may also include complementary therapies, such as meditation, in their sessions. Most support groups require a time commitment, usually meeting monthly or weekly.
Is a support group right for me?
Although support groups can be a powerful force for healing, they aren’t for everyone. "Emotion-focused" support groups are useful for people who are comfortable expressing their feelings and fears about breast cancer in a group setting. People reach this stage at different times in their recovery, or not at all.
Some people prefer to keep their feelings to themselves or to share them only with close family and friends. This is just fine. Everyone has different needs. It is most important to find a healthy support system that works best for you.
Finding a support group
There is no one successful support group model. What is most important is to find one that best meets your needs.
Most support groups, either by design or convenience, are tailored to meet the needs of people of a certain age or at a certain stage of dealing with their breast cancer. For example, the American Cancer Society and many other health organizations offer support groups for people who have been recently diagnosed. Other groups are designed for those undergoing chemotherapy or those dealing with fear of breast cancer recurrence.
There are also support groups for family and loved ones.
Talking to a patient navigator is a good first step in finding a support group that fits your needs. You can also call our breast care helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) or visit the American Cancer Society for more information on how to find a local support group.
Online support groups
Online support groups are available through many organizations, such as The Cancer Support Community. Similar to in-person groups, online support groups provide a chance to share information, give and receive social support and gain a sense of empowerment.
Online support groups for men
For men, breast cancer is so rare that it may be difficult to find a local support group. Online support groups are a good way to share experiences with other men in similar situations.
Finding an online support group
The Association of Cancer Online Resources and CancerCare are good resources for finding an online support group.
Updated 01/20/12
