Reasons to Join a Cancer Support Group

A cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event for any person. As much as possible, doctors and health experts recommend that patients be given holistic care as they undergo treatment.

Holistic care is a treatment course based on the understanding that a patient has physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. While medications and physical treatments are essential, healthcare providers must also meet the patient's psychological and spiritual needs.

One way to meet a patient's emotional needs is by joining support groups. Many modern healthcare centers offer support groups for people in various situations or conditions, like a cancer support group.

Joining a cancer support group can be a great way to meet a patient's emotional needs. Here are some reasons why that may be so:

1. It allows people to share their feelings and experiences in a non-judgmental environment. A few people don't feel comfortable showing their vulnerabilities and fears to their family and friends. However, many participants are encouraged to do so in a support group because most encourage a judgment-free environment.

2. People can help others by providing company as encouragement. One of the best parts of joining a cancer support group is knowing everyone comes together for a common purpose. Whether it's sharing feelings about their diagnosis, talking about their recent chemo session, or just everyday idle chat—it's comforting to know that one is in the company of people who are also going through the same thing.

3. It reminds people that they are not alone. Joining a support group can be a great way to meet a person's emotional needs because it eases their anxiety. People who just received a cancer diagnosis may feel the need to isolate or withdraw from society. However, by joining an encouraging group, said person will always be reminded that they are not alone.

- by Diane Davies, author, Jeannie Ann's Grandma Has Breast Cancer

How Children Can Provide Comfort to Cancer Patients

Loved ones who have just undergone a cancer diagnosis may experience varying emotions. During this sensitive period, doctors usually recommend that patients have a primary caretaker in their home (like a spouse) and a supporting network (i.e., friends and family).

For the latter, a support network can be a group of people of different ages. As long as they are important to the patient and are willing to help, they can become an integral part of a patient's care network.

In a way, young children can offer emotional support by showing they care. Some of these examples include the following:

1. Making cards or other types of gifts. Doing craft projects can be a great way to spend time with children. Providing them with tasks like making an encouraging card or a nice drawing, the patient may find their spirits lifted, while children may feel more helpful.

2. Provide a listening ear. Teaching children the art of listening can be a gift that ensures their success in relationships. When a person learns to listen, they show respect and care for the person who is talking. By letting children listen to a patient's stories and allowing them to ask questions, families may find that this simple act of communication can bring families closer.

3. Offer to tag along for shopping or other tasks.

Spending time together outside the home can be a great way to destress and add some exercise to your routine. Whether that activity involves going to the mall for shopping headscarves or getting some fresh air, bringing a child along can help you bond and grow closer. 

Bottomline: Children are more attuned to their emotions than we think. When a person takes the time to educate them on cancer and how it's treated, many will find that children can be one of the most important members of any cancer support network.

- by Diane Davies, author, Jeannie Ann's Grandma Has Breast Cancer

Ways In Which Cancer Can Change Family Dynamics

Any person who receives a cancer diagnosis knows their life will change. After learning to accept such news, they may share their diagnosis with their loved ones.

The person's family who receives this news may also react similarly. After all, cancer is a serious condition and can change a person's life and relationship dynamics.

For the latter, here are ways in which cancer can affect family life:

1. It changes roles in the relationship.

Spouses or partners of people with cancer may immediately take on the person's primary caregiver role. Additionally, relationship dynamics like intimacy change or become less frequent because the person's health priorities come first.

2. It creates a shift of responsibilities.

Spouses or partners of people with cancer may encounter a set of responsibilities they are unfamiliar with. Aside from being a primary caregiver, the partner may also take on the role of advocate, homemaker, and breadwinner. These instances can cause stress for the person and even the relationship, especially since additional responsibilities can be overwhelming.

However, this instance can be avoided, provided both partners work on a more balanced support network. A couple can broaden their support network by asking for help from willing companions like family members and trustworthy friends. By adding more people, the primary caregiver can delegate tasks while ensuring the loved one maintains a wide social circle.

3. It changes future plans.

Cancer is a serious illness that brings an uncertain future. Plans for vacations, activities, and the like for a person and their family will change. When this happens, the family's priorities and budget may shift to ensuring the loved one stays secure while keeping the family afloat.

4. It can change a person's behavior.

A person's behavior changes when they receive life-changing news. This instance is especially true when a person gets a cancer diagnosis. However, because it's such a serious illness, family members and friends' behaviors also change.

In many cases, family members and friends may treat the person differently, or they start finding ways to live with it. In other cases, it may cause people to wonder about their future. Whatever the case, a cancer diagnosis undoubtedly strongly impacts many relationships.

Bottomline: However, it doesn't have to be hopeless. While specific dynamics and roles change, many can adapt to their situations with time and patience. Suppose you know a person who is currently undergoing the same crisis. In that case, it helps to give them some time to help come to terms with the diagnosis. Feel free to seek support from medical professionals as well.

Helpful Phrases That Offer Support to a Loved One with Cancer

A cancer diagnosis can be a life-changing event that can bring trauma and stress to the person. However, family members can be emotionally affected by the diagnosis too.

Nevertheless, after the diagnosed person has taken the time to accept said diagnosis, it may take a while to open up with their immediate family. When they do, it helps to offer a compassionate ear.

Here are some compassionate phrases to say:

1. "I'm sorry to hear you're going through this."

Offering sympathy is not a bad thing. This phrase shows that you care about the person's situation without making it about yourself.

People who say, "I know how you feel," may believe that such a phrase is empathetic, but it doesn't show that you're listening. If anything, it gives the impression that you are dismissing the person's plight and making it about you.

2. "I'm not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care."

It's okay to admit that we don't know what to say. After all, a cancer diagnosis is a scary experience that can change a person's life forever.

When that happens, it helps to tell someone that you care. Yes, the future is uncertain, and things may be stressful, but letting someone know you care about them can encourage them.

3. "If you'd like to talk about it, I'm here."

This one is a great phrase because it gives the person a choice. Since we all have different coping methods, we cannot force someone to share more information than they are ready to give. However, let them know we are prepared to offer a listening ear whenever they decide to make that choice.

4. "Please let me know how I can help."

This is another helpful phrase that provides the person with a choice. Instead of offering unsolicited help, we can offer the person an option on how we can play a part in their support group.

An essential factor to consider:

Avoid showing fake optimism or telling the person to stay positive. While it is true that positive thinking has benefits, we have to let people come to terms with their diagnosis at a pace they're comfortable with.

Takeaway: A loved one receiving a cancer diagnosis can be a stressful event. When we choose our words carefully, we must remember to be compassionate and patient with our loved ones, regardless of how they react.