Cancer support groups offer solace to people as they embark on their journey to survive and regain their health and independence.
Being diagnosed with cancer, no matter what type or what stage, is scary for many people. Even if your doctor tells you that the survival rate is extremely high for your particular cancer, you may still feel like you’re at a loss for how to cope. Who will understand what you are going through? Although your friends and loved ones will undoubtedly try to understand how you’re feeling and support you the best they can, it is natural to seek out other supportive services from those are in similar situations. That is where cancer support groups come in.
Cancer support groups can offer many people solace as they embark on their journey to survive and regain their health and independence. If you aren’t familiar with cancer support groups, you might wonder what they are all about. What do members talk about? Who runs the groups? Will I fit in? These are all normal questions, and ones we hear every day at White Plains Hospital.
Cancer support groups can have several distinct benefits, including:
- Improving your mood and fostering hope
- Providing an open forum to talk about and work through difficult feelings
- Finding solutions to practical problems (i.e. problems at work or school)
- Helping you cope with treatment side effects
Different Types of Support Groups
Not all cancer support groups are structured the same way, and it is important to understand how some of them differ when determining the best fit for you. For instance, you may decide that you want to be in a group that is more open. In that case, look for a group that provides comfort and support to people with all forms of cancer. However, if you’re looking for more specific advice, you may opt for a group that focuses on your particular type and stage of cancer.
White Plains Hospital Cancer Services
Support groups can be an important addition to the professional supportive services offered to patients White Plains Hospital. From clinical navigation, to educational resources, to holistic and integrative therapies, our goal is to ease the burden on both the cancer patient and their family. We also offer an array of classes for cancer patients to promote healing, including yoga, nutrition, and a Drumming Circle and Healing Circle.
The White Plains Hospital Cancer Care Program is dedicated to addressing individual, personalized needs and making the journey of a cancer diagnosis more manageable for the patient and their loved ones. Some of our supportive services include the following:
- Palliative Care
- Social Work
- Genetic Counseling
- Nutrition
- Pastoral Care
- Speech Pathology
- Women’s Health
- Integrative Services
- Financial Assistance
- Clinical Navigator
- Caregiver Support
For more information about the White Plains Hospital Cancer Program, our diagnostic services, treatments, providers and patient resources, call (914) 849-7500.