Support Groups

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 12/2018

Having cancer is often one of the most stressful experiences in a person's life. But support groups help many people cope with the emotional aspects of cancer by providing a safe place to share and work through feelings and challenges. They also allow people to learn from others facing similar situations.

Reasons to join a support group

Receiving a cancer diagnosis often triggers a strong emotional response. Some people experience shock, anger, and disbelief. Others may feel intense sadness, fear, and a sense of loss. Sometimes even the most supportive family members and friends cannot understand exactly how it feels to have cancer. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Support groups allow people to talk about their experiences with others living with cancer. This can help reduce stress. Group members can share feelings and experiences that may seem too strange or too difficult to share with family and friends. Being a part of a group often create a sense of belonging that helps each person feel more understood and less alone.

Support group members may also talk about practical information. This may include what to expect during treatment, how to manage pain and other side effects of treatment, and how to communicate with the health care team and family members. Exchanging information and advice may provide a sense of control and reduce feelings of helplessness.

Many studies have shown that support groups help people with cancer feel less depressed and anxious. Support groups can also help people feel more hopeful and manage their emotions better. But support groups are not the right fit for everyone. Some people may benefit from other sources of support.

Types of support groups

Groups offer support in many ways. Each person should find the group that works best for his or her needs. The following are different types of support groups:

Peer-led or self-help groups are run by group members.
In a professional-led group, a trained counselor, social worker, or psychologist may lead the conversation among the members.
Informational support groups are led by a professional facilitator. They provide cancer-related information and education. These groups often invite speakers, such as doctors, who provide expert advice.

Groups may also be designed for specific audiences, including:

All individuals with cancer
People with a specific type of cancer, such as breast cancer or prostate cancer
People of a certain age group
People who have a specific stage of cancer
Caregivers, such as family members and friends

Online support groups may be a good option for people who live in remote areas, who do not have easy access to transportation, or who do not feel comfortable sharing their experiences in person. Online support groups also allow people with rare types of cancer to communicate with others who have the same type of cancer.

These groups help people communicate in a variety of ways:

Newsgroups and electronic mailing lists send messages written by group members to the entire group.
Discussion groups, message boards, or bulletin boards allow people to post a message, and others can reply to it.
Chat rooms allow members to communicate with each other in real time by typing messages back and forth.

Read more about some online communities for support.

How to choose a support group

To decide which type of support group may fit you best, consider your needs and personality:

Do you need emotional support, information and education, or a combination of both?
Do you prefer sharing your experiences with a group in person? Or do you prefer an anonymous environment, such as an online support group?

You may not be interested in joining a support group or find that support groups are not helpful for you. If so, consider:

Talking with a friend.
Individual counseling.
Asking a member of the health care team specific questions.
Participating in activities that you enjoy and that allow you to connect with friends or family.

How to find a support group

Here are some ways you can find a support group:

Check with your health care team or the hospital or medical center where you are receiving treatment. Many hospitals and cancer treatment centers sponsor support groups for their patients. A social worker at the hospital may also help you find a community support group.
Search a list of groups classified by specific disease types.
Search a list of organizations that offer support and services for people with any type of cancer.
Use the Internet to search for information on support groups and cancer organizations.
Ask other patients for suggestions.