Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women around the world. As of 2018, over two million cases were reported. The survival rate is usually high when it is diagnosed at an early stage. Of all the women who get breast cancer, approximately 90% actually survive for five years post-treatment. Like any other cancer, early detection and treatment are the best way to live a long and healthy life post-treatment.
Many factors increase the risk of having breast cancer. While many women today are already aware of the benefits of living a healthy and active lifestyle to reduce the risks, the occurrence of this illness still prevails in many countries around the world.
Dealing with cancer is a difficult journey. The treatment often varies depending on the patient’s condition, but would typically involve surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Undergoing these procedures results in weakened immune systems and a decreased quality of life. It is common for breast cancer patients to feel overwhelmed, depressed, and sad. These negative emotions do not help in the recovery process. As such, many patients consider a breast cancer support group application to become a member of a community where they can get emotional assistance and information about how to better approach the problem.
Types of cancer support groups
Not all cancer support groups are the same. There are some cancer support groups specific to a disease like breast cancer and colon cancer. Some groups are facilitated by a professional institution, while others are organized and managed by cancer survivors. If you are looking for a support group to join, your doctor may recommend a psychologist, a social worker, or an expert who is working in a cancer organization to point you to the right direction.
Is joining a cancer support group beneficial?
Cancer support groups are meant to help patients cope with the emotional and mental effects of cancer as well as provide an avenue for learning about how to deal with the impact of each treatment procedure. Much medical research confirms that there is a positive effect to being a member of a cancer support group – such as possible increased chances of survival. A support group can reduce the impact of some of the most significant causes of stress for a cancer patient:
- Losing control over your life
- Losing hope for survival
- Feeling of isolation
Joining a support group and participating in online or face-to-face discussions can help decrease depression and develop a healthier attitude towards life and dealing with the illness.
Choosing not to join a cancer support group
Joining a support group is not always applicable to everyone. Some people prefer a more private interaction with a professional to help deal with the illness. Counseling through a psychologist, a social worker, or your doctor may provide you with the assistance you need if being part of a large community does not appeal to you. In the end, dealing with and recovering from cancer is an individual process. The most important part of seeking treatment and recovering from cancer is to have a trusted support group who can help you through the process.
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