Even though family, friends and co-workers often pitch in to help, they may not be able to understand what a cancer patient experiences as well as another patient. Support groups composed of cancer patients and survivors and led by specially trained Beaumont
staff offer many benefits, such as
- learning about cancer and its treatment
- sharing practical tips about the side effects of treatment
- accessing community resources
- releasing powerful feelings in a nonjudgmental setting
- decreasing psychological stress
- gaining a "real-life" perspective on problems
- finding workable solutions to problems
- knowing that others have prevailed
Caregivers Support Group
A support group for spouses, significant others and life partners.
One-to-One Ovarian Cancer Support Group
Through personal contact, phone calls, vibrant monthly newsletters displaying balance of advocacy, events and reflections, on-line correspondence, One to One offers camaraderie to include mind, body and spirit by having monthly meetings and the inclusion
of a chaplain
Positively Empowered
This group provides an avenue for women, men and family members who carry a BRCA mutation to meet each other and learn about the topics that are relevant and valuable to them.
Head and Neck Cancer Support Group
This group provides education and emotional support to individuals who are diagnosed with cancers of the head and neck.
Sharing and Caring Breast Cancer Support Group
A patient-driven volunteer network committed to helping breast cancer survivors on their journey to recovery.
Breast Cancer Education and Support
This group provides information and emotional support to individuals who have breast cancer. Services are appropriate for women at all stages of treatment.
Living With Ease
This eight week course, open to all adults, teaches meditation, gentle yoga, mindful eating, mindful communication and how to use mindfulness to decrease stress in all kinds of situations.
Us - Too Prostate Group
This group provides information and emotional support for men with prostate cancer. Families and friends are also welcome to attend.
What to Consider
Not everyone feels comfortable joining a support group. The National Cancer Institute suggests considering these questions before joining.
- How large is the group?
- Who attends?
- How long are the meetings?
- How often does the group meet?
- Who leads the group?
- What is the format of the meeting?
- What is the main purpose? To share feelings? To offer practical tips?
- If I go, can I just listen?