The purpose of a support group is to help people in similar situations share their concerns with others and to learn more about solving problems. Participants can expect to learn more about their cancer and get new ideas from others. For example, a newly diagnosed person who has never had to share a diagnosis with children can hear from others how children might react. A woman with breast cancer can learn from other women about breast reconstruction. Young adults can hear how others have approached problems with dating from those who have "been there."

Support groups for people with cancer can be organized in several different ways. Some meet in hospital settings, within a community agency, a family service agency, or even in a patient's home.

Open-ended groups are set up to allow anyone with cancer or their family members to attend, often for an indefinite period of time. People might attend during special periods when the course of the illness is changing, when decisions need to be made about new treatment options, or new family concerns come up.

Closed groups are those in which the same group of people meet for a prescribed period of time. They can be organized for people with the same diagnosis, the same sex, the same stage of disease, or by the kind of treatment people are receiving.

Groups can be organized by topic, meaning different issues will be discussed each week or have a free-flowing agenda where participants can discuss whatever topic they choose. Regardless of the kind of group you attend, confidentiality should be discussed by the group facilitator at your first meeting. You should feel free to discuss your concerns with others and know that what is discussed will remain confidential.

Groups can be organized by professionals or by cancer survivors. Professionals include oncology social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric or oncology nurses, or clergy. Professionals should be licensed in their respective fields and have skills in leading groups. It is best if they have had training in how to set up a group and how to help members get their needs met. They should also know how to deal with group members who tend to monopolize the conversation or with people who are upset or angry. If a cancer survivor facilitates a group, that person may or may not be able to accomplish these tasks. Some cancer survivors are very comfortable dealing with difficult behaviors and have had enough life experience to be very effective in a group setting. Others may find themselves getting uncomfortable or overwhelmed by what is being discussed in the group.

People often have strong feelings about the kind of group that they want. Some feel that only someone who has "been there" will make a good group leader. Others want a professional who might be able to offer more education about cancer or emotional issues. You might consider trying both types of groups to identify what type is right for you. Your comfort level is usually a good indication. If you feel comfortable sharing your feelings and are able to address your problems, the group will probably be helpful. If not, consider another group or another kind of counseling until you figure out what is best for you or your family.

Some people are more comfortable in groups than others. It may be easy to imagine sharing your feelings with others or it could seem like a real invasion of your privacy. There are few "rights and wrongs" about how people feel about participating in a group. Some people find them very useful at the point of diagnosis or with changes in treatment. Groups provide information to help patients make decisions. Cancer survivors help new patients know what to expect and what situations to avoid.

It may take time to determine how much of yourself to share with others. Some group members are very talkative while others learn better just by listening. Usually, group members gradually feel more comfortable in discussing their concerns and get satisfaction from helping others in the group.

The nature of your needs will help you decide whether to try a support group. Some needs are best addressed in a support group. Examples are the need for information, such as how children typically react to a parent's diagnosis, how to explain your diagnosis at work, or how to communicate better with your doctor. Other problems, such as severe marital or psychological problems, may seem too personal to share with others.

The intensity of your feelings about a situation will also help you to decide about attending a group. You may feel so upset about your situation that the idea of discussing it with others makes it worse. Your own or your family's distress may make it impossible to listen to anyone else's problem. In fact, there may be times when the danger of feeling more overwhelmed is too great to consider joining a group. For people struggling with these kinds of feelings, or serious marital conflict, an individual counselor concentrates on you as an individual. Once you feel less anxious or overwhelmed about your situation, you will be in a much better position to benefit from a support group.

Revised Date: 3/30/01