Cancer Support & Coping Cancer Support Groups and Communities By Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH LinkedIn Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, is a freelance health writer with over a decade of experience working as a registered nurse in a variety of clinical settings. Learn about our editorial process Updated on February 12, 2021 Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD LinkedIn Douglas A. Nelson, MD, is a board-certified oncologist and hematologist who previously served for 13 years as a physician in the US Air Force. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Being diagnosed with cancer may be one of the most stressful experiences of a person's life. The journey is often long and filled with unknowns. Joining a cancer support group may help ease some of the stress. A cancer support group provides a place to discuss fears and challenges with others you know who are going through the same thing. These groups also offer education and additional resources. SDI Productions / Getty Images Focus of Support Groups and Communities The goal of most cancer support groups and communities is to provide a place where members can openly discuss their feelings, experiences, and challenges in their cancer journey. While family members can be a great source of support, it is probably difficult for them to truly understand what having cancer is like. Fellow cancer survivors in these groups can share in your fears and frustrations, as well as provide new perspectives and hope. Support groups also share practical information, such as how to reduce nausea from chemotherapy or what exercise programs are safe. Group leaders may provide education on treatments, side effects, how to work with the oncology team, and more. Studies have shown that patients with cancer feel more in control and less depressed after attending support group meetings. Having a community to rely on can help to reduce feelings of anxiety as well. Lung Cancer Support Groups and Support Communities Types of Support Groups There are several types of cancer support groups. If you’re unsure about sitting in a room with a large group, consider joining a smaller group or an online community. There are also other resources that can help you on your journey. Cancer Support Groups and Communities In-Person Groups In-person support groups vary in size and style, and include: Peer-led groups are led by members of the group who are also undergoing cancer treatment In a professional-led group, a provider such as a psychologist or social worker leads the group Informational support groups focus on education, and often invite specialists to lead discussions and provide information, such as physicians, nurses, physical therapists, dieticians, and psychologists Support Communities Dedicated to Those With Metastatic Breast Cancer Online Support Groups and Communities In-person support groups can be incredibly helpful, but they’re not for everyone. If you’re not comfortable meeting with others in person or there are no groups in your area, look into a cancer support community online. A 2017 study found that members of both in-person and online support groups reported a positive experience and sathey felt empowered in their decision-making. Online support groups may be more popular with younger patients and those with more advanced disease. Online groups and communities vary in style and focus. Social media has paved the way for informal groups where members can post about their experiences or ask questions and receive comments from thousands of members. There are also discussion groups and message boards that work similarly. Before setting up a profile, be sure to read the group’s privacy practices and moderation policies. There are also more formal online groups that are sponsored by a cancer center or organization. These groups are usually led or moderated by a professional who can answer members' questions. While group members may share helpful information, it’s always best to bring your unique questions to your own doctor or medical team. These groups are usually a great choice if you have a rare type of cancer, since they can give you a chance to connect with others with the same diagnosis from around the country and world. There are also resources like Caring Bridge that allow you to share your journey with family and friends. This can be a convenient way to update everyone in your circle at once, rather than trying to respond to everyone’s calls and text messages. The site allows family and friends to send you messages and comment on your posts. Lung Cancer Support Groups and Support Communities Individual Support If a support group does not feel like the right fit, there are other options, such as meeting one-on-one with a psychologist or therapist for emotional support and to learn coping skills. For in-the-moment support, the American Cancer Society has a 24/7 helpline staffed by cancer information specialists. Call 1-800-227-2345 with your questions or support needs any time of day. The helpline offers support in over 200 different languages. The American Cancer Society also provides individual resources for cancer patients, such as rides to medical appointments and lodging assistance. Coping and Living With Cancer Finding a Support Community There are many different types of support groups for cancer patients, family members, and caregivers. Some groups support a specific group of people based on their gender, type of cancer, or age. Caregiver Support Groups Take some time to think about what you’d like from a support group. Some questions to consider include: Would you prefer emotional support, practical patient education, or both?Are you open to traveling to an in-person group or do you prefer to seek support from home?Do you feel comfortable sharing your feelings in a large group or would you prefer an online setting? Ask your medical team for resources and recommendations based on the type of group you are looking for. Both the Cancer Research Network and the American Cancer Society provide resources for finding a group. There are thousands of support groups out there. If you tried one that didn’t feel like a good fit, there may be another group that has what you are looking for. 4 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Cancer Institute. Cancer Support Groups. Cancer.Net. Support Groups. Huber J, Muck T, Maatz P, Keck B, Enders P, Maatouk I, Ihrig A. Face-to-face vs. online peer support groups for prostate cancer: A cross-sectional comparison study. J Cancer Surviv. 2018 Feb;12(1):1-9. doi: 10.1007/s11764-017-0633-0. American Cancer Society. How We’re Providing Support. Additional Reading American Association for Cancer Research. How to Find a Support Group. Cancer Care. Why Join a Support Group? By Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, is a health writer with over a decade of experience working as a registered nurse. She has practiced in a variety of settings including pediatrics, oncology, chronic pain, and public health. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit