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Video: What is cancer? How is it caused?

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Video: What is cancer? How is it caused?

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How do cancer cells behave differently from healthy ones? - George Zaidan

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Info about cancer in adolescents (teenagers):

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Info about cancer in adolescents (teenagers):

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The inspiration for the book...a girl named Esther

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The inspiration for the book...a girl named Esther

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Evangeline Earl is a student at Green Mountain College and a volunteer with her family's foundation, This Star Won't Go Out, which provides financial support to the families of children with cancer.

At the New York City premiere of " The Fault in Our Stars," the scene I found most difficult to watch was when 16-year-old Hazel, who has Stage 4 thyroid cancer, wakes up in the middle of the night gasping for breath. We see her father scoop her up and carry her to the car and then into the hospital, his desperation and terror and love and hope all evident in the grasp of his arms.

It brought me back to one night in 2008, when I watched my father carry my sister Esther from her bedroom to an ambulance stretcher. She was 14 at the time, struggling with thyroid cancer that had spread to her lungs. I was almost 17 and couldn't imagine life without the person who understood me when no one else could, who looked up to me even as I sat in awe of her. My family huddled around her hospital bed while she was hooked up to all sorts of machines. We held hands and cried as we watched her lying there, so fragile, her eyes closed and her breathing labored. We didn't think she'd make it through the night. Yet, like Hazel, she regained her strength. She lived for two more maddening, beautiful years - until just after her 16th birthday, in August 2010.

Hazel Grace Lancaster is not supposed to be Esther Grace Earl. Author John Green drew on a bunch of experiences, including his time as a children's hospital chaplain, when creating the character in the " Fault in Our Stars" novel and film. But he dedicated his book to Esther. And he has said that her empathy, charm and snark helped inspire his work. "I could never have written The Fault in Our Stars without knowing Esther," Green wrote. "Every word on that book depends on her."

My older sister, Abby, and I were with Esther the weekend she met Green for the first time in person, at a Boston Harry Potter convention, LeakyCon 2009. He and Esther already sort of knew each other through Nerdfighteria, an online community of people adamant about "decreasing world suck." And she and Abby chatted with him briefly, and took a picture, on the convention's first night. But the next day, my usually confident little sister sat playing with her oxygen tank, shaking with nerves, when she saw him standing close by. "Go say hello!" I urged. Green's rising fame - from his young-adult books and his Vlogbrothers YouTube channel - meant little to me. And I couldn't quite understand Esther's fascination with this tall, gangly guy. (Or with wizard rock bands - Draco and the Malfoys, anyone?) But I forced her out of her chair, and we walked over to him.

They became friends after that. "It's hard to isolate why, but I've never liked a teenager so much - at least not since I was a teenager," Green, who is in his 30s, wrote in honor of her birthday two years after she died. "She was just really cool, in the best sense of the word. She never made me feel uncomfortable. She listened to me and responded thoughtfully, and was also happy to tell me I was full of s---."

"I wish she'd read TFiOS," he added. "I suspect she would've found it a bit far-fetched, but I do hope she'd have enjoyed it anyway. I'll never know, though. I am astonished that the book has found such a broad audience, but the person I most want to read it never will."

I'm not sure what Esther would have thought of it, either. But watching the movie, I couldn't help feeling I was seeing my little sister on the screen. After a doctor proposes a new regimen of Zoloft and Lexapro, Hazel interrupts: "Why stop there? I'm like the Keith Richards of cancer kids."

My sister could be similarly flippant. "This is an oxygen tube, and I stick it in my nostrils, which are located on your nose," she explained in one video she uploaded to YouTube. "And then the long tube-y thing is connected to this big machine, which creates oxygen out of regular air. And that is a cool machine, and I like that machine, and I named that machine Denmark."

In a lower moment of the movie, Hazel declares: "I also don't want this particular life." My sister occasionally expressed the same. "I sometimes wish I'd never gone through this," she admitted in another YouTube video. "And then I realize that, if that happened, I wouldn't be who I am, and then I get all, like, 'Oh, that's just confusing.' But then sometimes I do wish it never happened: the cancer thing."

Another parallel between Hazel and Esther: their fangirling of novelists. In "The Fault in Our Stars," a wish granted by a nonprofit foundation takes Hazel and her love interest to Amsterdam to meet the author of Hazel's favorite book, "An Imperial Affliction." In July 2010, Esther's wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation brought Green and several other nerdfighters to visit us in Boston . We got rooms at the Marriott, ordered pizza, answered silly questions scribbled on a volleyball and laughed a lot. At one point, during a conversation about the idea of heaven, Green suggested that there were different ways to imagine an infinite afterlife. Esther was skeptical about his concept of infinite - a theme that recurs in "The Fault in Our Stars."

Hazel is definitely different from Esther in some ways. Her appetite, for example. In one scene of the movie, we see her finish a multi-course tasting menu, with the barest traces of a chocolate dessert left in the tines of her fork. Before getting sick, my sister had a voracious appetite like that. She was always game to try local dishes in the countries we traveled to. She drank hot chocolate at all times of the day. And she'd finish off my meal when I was too full. After starting radiation and chemotherapy, and continuing with the experimental drug Sorafenib, however, her taste buds dimmed and she lost interest in food.

"The Fault in Our Stars" is at its core a love story between two teenagers. My sister never got to have a relationship like that. She got to experience just a few weeks of being 16. Witnessing a life and a romance she could have had made me feel unbearably sad and yet, oddly, uplifted. It's as if, through Hazel, my sister is able to continue having new experiences. As if she got a sequel.

I can vouch that my sister's life was filled with other forms of love. Having a support group to bolster her, having an online community to socialize with, helped Esther to smile and press on. She was one of five siblings, all of us extremely close. (Whereas Hazel is an only child, texting below the dinner table while her parents carry on a conversation.) When Green promised to make Esther Day videos for my sister's birthday each year, she asked him to make the day about " family and love." Esther encouraged us as a family to never hesitate to say "I love you," to express ourselves honestly, to hug and laugh.

In the spring before my little sister passed away, we drove to the cemetery where she would be buried. Our parents sat on a bench and talked while I pushed her wheelchair along the winding paths. We watched squirrels chase each other between the tall trees. She picked out the kind of tombstone she wanted. And we talked about death.

Like Hazel - who tells her mother that her "greatest fear is that when I'm gone, you're not going to have a life anymore" - Esther was focused on what would happen to the people she loved. She wanted to know that we would be all right, that we would miss her and think about her, yes, but that we would move on with our lives and be happy again.

The last thing I remember Esther saying to me as she lay in her hospital bed was about my plans for that fall. Even in her last hours, she was selfless and loving. I was with her when she passed away, my hand in her hand.
E-mail Evangeline Earl: thisstarwontgoout@gmail.com
Esther Earl's writing, along with photographs and essays by her family and friends, have been collected in the book This Star Won't Go Out.

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My sister Esther inspired 'The Fault in Our Stars.' The movie is her sequel.

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Evangeline Earl is a student at Green Mountain College and a volunteer with her family's foundation, This Star Won't Go Out, which provides financial support to the families of children with cancer.

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Video: Esther, the inspiration for the book, speaks about her cancer, 2 weeks before passing away.

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Video: Esther, the inspiration for the book, speaks about her cancer, 2 weeks before passing away.

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***Disclaimer: sad content.

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nothing more than feelings (vid 7/August 9)

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JUST FOR TEENS DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER

Adolescents and teenagers with cancer face unique treatment challenges and require a different level of support than young children or adults. Many teens with cancer fall within an ambiguous age range between cancer treatment programs designed for children and those which are appropriate for adults, a factor which adds to the challenges of diagnosing and treating teens with cancer.

As young adults, teenagers are less likely than children to receive opportunities to participate in advanced clinical trials/research studies. Although the teenage years are considered a transition to adulthood, research has demonstrated that for certain kinds of cancer, adolescent patients achieve better treatment outcomes when they are treated at pediatric hospitals.

TEEN REACTIONS TO CANCER DIAGNOSIS

The responses of a teen/adolescent to a cancer diagnosis can differ significantly from those of younger patients, because they are facing challenges that are unique to patients in their age range. Adolescent cancer patients may feel:

Distraught about the disruption of school and missing out on social activities with friends-teens with cancer are often forced to sacrifice pivotal events (i.e. prom, dating, sports, social gatherings) while stuck in the confines of a hospital enduring painful cancer treatments

Intense emotional responses as they struggle to process what they are experiencing and how their cancer will impact their future

Frustration that their illness has imposed physical limitations on their newly-found independence

In need of unwavering support from friends, family members, and school contacts

The urge to rebel against invasive treatments, or the restrictions placed upon them by parents and doctors

Confusion about the meaning of life and the long-term effects cancer may have on their identity

Inclined to make light of their cancer, joking about their illness in order to distract from the gravity of the situation

Pressured to stay upbeat and positive in order to prevent family members from worrying

More likely to take risks that could cause health problems

Concern about missing school and what this will mean for their education and future college/career prospects

Looking for Help?

ACCO offers FREE books and resources for families of children with cancer.

Handling the natural physical changes and hormone fluctuations of adolescence can be very difficult for any teenager. This challenge is significantly magnified for teens battling cancer, who must also attempt to cope with the harsh emotional, aesthetic, and health-related side effects associated with cancer treatments.

Although steroids are a crucial component of many cancer treatment protocols, this medication is known for causing weight gain, fullness in the cheeks, and the accumulation of fatty tissue at the back of the neck.

Additional aftereffects of teen cancer treatments often include: nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, diarrhea, constipation, fever/chills, skin problems, and hair loss.

Many teen cancer survivors suffer from long-term illnesses and side effects ("late effects") during adulthood as a direct result of the cancer treatments they received as adolescents.

The chronic discomfort and unwelcome physical changes associated with many life-saving cancer treatments can take a significant toll on an adolescent cancer patient's already fragile self-esteem and confidence levels, which is why it is so important to equip these teens with the necessary information and resources to help them better understand and process the effects of their illness.

The American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) understands that teens battling with cancer (and teen cancer survivors) have concerns and needs that are specific to their age range (13-17). Below you will find free resources developed by the ACCO, specifically with the needs of this age group in mind:

Additionally, there are a variety of other support networks and informational sites dedicated solely to teens/adolescents with cancer:

TEENS LIVING WITH CANCER

2BmE: Non-medical public service site dedicated to helping teens with cancer cope with the potential physical, nutritional, and social side effects of treatment

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEEN CANCER SURVIVORS:

Every year, approximately 15,000 teens in the United States undergo treatment for cancer.
Research saves lives. Please join us to raise awareness about childhood cancer and secure funding for much-needed research initiatives to cure all forms of childhood cancer.

Articles from the Spring 2005 CCCF Newsletter
Websites for Teens "Taking Charge" - A resource for teens and young adults "Taking Charge - For Friends"- A resource for friends of teen and young adult cancer patients For more information about the American Childhood Cancer Organization call 855.858.2226 or visit:

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JUST FOR TEENS DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER Adolescents and teenagers with cancer face unique treatment challenges and require a different level of support than young children or adults. Many teens with cancer fall within an ambiguous age range between cancer treatment programs designed for children and those which are appropriate for adults, a factor which adds to the challenges of diagnosing and treating teens with cancer.

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Kids with cancer talk about going back to school after treatment...

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Kids with cancer talk about going back to school after treatment...

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SCHOOL - "I can't ever go back there. How can I go to school looking like this? It would be just too weird to go in a wheelchair."

On the other hand:

"I really miss my friends. It will be great to feel "normal" again. I can't believe I actually miss school."

If you've been out of school during treatment, you might be nervous about going back. Who wouldn't be after all you've been through? Kids Like YouThese thoughts from kids like you might help:

People Change

First, understand that "normal" will never be normal again. Don't expect things to be the same because they won't. They can't. You're different and you'll never be the same as you were before cancer. You have to create a "new" normal. This might apply to your relationships at school. Your friends have not had the same experiences as you (thankfully!) and they may have a tough time dealing with your illness. You may lose some of your old "friends" but your true friends will hang in there with you. Tory, diagnosed with aplastic anemia, said this about returning to high school:

"I was terrified and constantly wondering if people were going to laugh or even reject me for the way I looked. Before I left for school, my Father gave me a bit of advice that has stuck with me since. He said, "Throughout your life, you will come to realize that you'll be able to count your true friends with one hand. So, today at school you'll see who's who." "He was right. People who I had thought were my friends looked at me as if I were a creature from Mars. When all was said and done, however, the few people who spoke to me were and still are my true friends. Every one of them told me it doesn't matter what's on the outside; it's what's on the inside that counts."

If you don't have expectations that things will be the "same", it will be easier for you and your friends to deal with things being different.

Life Goes On

Cancer is just one part of your life - a big part, granted - but still just one piece of who you are. You are much more than your cancer. All the old stuff you used to care about before the big "C" - friends, planning for college or a job, extra-curricular activities - may still be important now. Life goes on, right? Kids Like YouWhen Jenn, 16, went back to school after treatment for AML, she didn't wear anything on her bald head because it wasn't comfortable. She started cheerleading again and simply said,

"People just had to get used to seeing me look different. I was the same old Jenn I just had a new look."

If your treatment causes you to be in and out of school, try to stay connected, so when you return, you'll know "who's doing what." As Jenn recalls,

"Catching up on the school gossip was hard".

Don't let Cancer rule your life. Remember, you are a TLC - a teen living with cancer.

Asking for Help is OK

Everyone will want to help but might not know how. They might be afraid to offer help because they don't want you to think they are pitying you. Erin, 15, with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, told us,

"There is a difference between caring and pity. I hate it when people pity me. I just want them to care."

What's the difference, we asked? Erin answered,

"Caring is treating you as "you", not as someone with cancer. That's pity."

Be straight with your friends about what you need and what you don't. Tell them how they can help - don't accept their pity. Ask for extra help in your classes and take advantage of tutoring, if it is available. Jenn, 16, said,

"It was hard to catch up with school work. My teachers were very understanding and willing to work with me so that was good and a big help."

Remember, you don't have to go through this alone. Your friends and teachers want to help. Don't be too proud to ask.

Tell your Teachers What to Expect

Either you or someone from your medical team can talk with your teachers and guidance counselors about what to expect when you return to school. Some hospitals have educational liaisons who help coordinate the transition. Your teachers might be able to prepare your classmates so they won't be so shocked. Erin told her teachers,

"Just tell everyone at the same time what's going on, so everybody knows."

This made it easier for her during treatment and when she returned. Kids Like YouMatt is 13 and recovering from a bone marrow transplant. Because of really bad pancreatitis that kept him in bed for months, he needed to learn to walk all over again.

"I had a real rough first day of school. I had to use a wheelchair for about three months. I bet some kids wondered why I needed it because I could get up to my desk by myself. But I would never have made it to class on time without it. Even when I was late, they gave me some slack."

Talk Openly about your Disease

Most people's natural tendency is to ignore things they either don't understand or are uncomfortable with (read about The Elephant in the Room). If you talk openly about your disease, it will make it easier for everyone. Jenn says,

"When I went back to school it was very overwhelming at first. But seeing my friends and talking to them made it a lot easier."

Often when things are not talked about openly and everything is hush-hush, rumors sometimes get started.

Diane, 17 with Hodgkin's Disease, told us that when she returned to school after a long absence, "Some people thought I had been pregnant!"

She immediately set them straight about that little piece of gossip!

Know Yourself

You might feel ready to jump right back into the swing of things. Don't be surprised if it's not that easy. Some teens find school more difficult - tougher to concentrate, harder to grasp new concepts. Your treatment might have caused some short or long-term learning problems. You might have to work harder than you did in the past to achieve your goals. Maybe your goals will change. That's OK. Just know who you are and what you want. The rest will follow. Because of your experience with cancer, your motivation to excel in school might be greater. Some kids say that after cancer, life becomes more meaningful and goals come into sharper focus. You may feel new energy at school that will drive you to do incredible things with your life. Others around you will feel that positive energy and will strive to live their lives as fully as you are living yours. And that's pretty cool, don't you think?

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Going Back to School - 13thirty Cancer Connect

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SCHOOL - "I can't ever go back there. How can I go to school looking like this? It would be just too weird to go in a wheelchair." On the other hand: "I really miss my friends. It will be great to feel "normal" again. I can't believe I actually miss school."

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How does undergoing treatment affect people?

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How does undergoing treatment affect people?

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The long-term side effects of chemotherapy are important to understand even though the benefits of treatment usually far outweigh these potential risks. Many people are familiar with symptoms such as hair loss and nausea, but there are less well-known symptoms that may persist or arise months to years after treatment has been completed.

Before addressing possible long-term side effects, keep in mind that everyone is different. Some people may have several of these side effects, while many will have none. Side effects also vary considerably depending on the particular chemotherapy medications that are used.

Cardiac Concerns

Chemotherapy can cause cardiac effects early in treatment, but in some cases, the effects may not show up until much later. One notable example is heart damage following treatment with Adriamycin (doxorubicin). With this drug, a possible long-term side effect is weakening of the heart muscle, resulting in a decreased ability to pump blood through the body ( heart failure). Symptoms may include increasing shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling of the feet and ankles. If you have been treated with Adriamycin, your doctor may recommend a MUGA scan to monitor how your heart is pumping.

Other cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy to the chest area, may cause damage to the heart muscle as well.

Since left-sided radiation for breast cancer may also affect the heart and damage coronary arteries, it's even more important to talk with your oncologist if you receive these chemotherapy drugs. If you will be having both chemotherapy and radiation therapy to your chest for cancers such as breast cancer, talk to your radiation oncologist about the option for respiratory gating for left-sided breast cancer, a technique that can reduce the amount of radiation to your heart.

Chemobrain

" Chemobrain," a constellation of symptoms that include problems with memory and concentration, has only recently been recognized as a long-term side effect of chemotherapy. Chemobrain symptoms can be very frustrating and can include symptoms such as problems with short-term memory (losing your car keys), multi-tasking, and concentration, especially when you are tired. An awareness of things you can do to cope with the symptoms can be very helpful. In most cases, chemobrain symptoms improve over time.

Infertility

Primarily a concern for younger people with cancer, loss of fertility after chemotherapy can be heartbreaking. Infertility following treatment varies with the dose and type of chemotherapy medications used and doesn't affect everyone. If you believe you may want to have children after treatment (for both men and women), talk to your physician about the options available to you before you start treatment. Methods such as preserving sperm or embryos have worked for many people, and research is looking into options such as freezing eggs as well.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy from chemotherapy is most often experienced as a sensation of numbness and burning in your feet and hands, along with constipation. This side effect occurs more commonly in people with a history of diabetes, alcoholism, or malnutrition, but may occur in anyone. While neuropathy may sometimes improve in time, it can also be a permanent late effect of chemotherapy.

Some drugs that can cause this side effect in up to a third of people include Taxotere (docetaxel) and Taxol (paclitaxel), Other medications, such as Platinol (cisplatin), Oncovin (vincristine), and Novelbine (vinorelbine), can also result in peripheral neuropathy.

Hearing Loss

One of the most common long-term side effects of Platinol (cisplatin), a medication used for many cancers including lung cancer, is hearing loss ( ototoxicity). Other medications may also cause hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Skeletal Effects

Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) is the most common late effect of chemotherapy. Most chemotherapy drugs cause bone loss to accelerate and changes in diet that accompany cancer and its treatment can amplify the problem. The greatest concern over the long run are fractures that can result from this bone loss.

Hormone therapies for women with breast cancer and men with prostate cancer can be additive when combined when chemotherapy, and it's important to talk to your doctor about this risk. Many physicians recommend getting a baseline bone density measurement when beginning these therapies. The new to combine bisphosphonates for early-stage breast cancer in postmenopausal women may reduce this risk.

Respiratory Effects

Chemotherapy can cause scarring of the lung ( pulmonary fibrosis) and decreased lung capacity in some people. This may be more pronounced when chemotherapy is combined with radiation therapy to the chest area.

Liver Effects

Many chemotherapy medications can cause toxic damage to the liver (hepatotoxicity). Thankfully, the liver has a remarkable potential to regenerate most of the time, as long as other damaging effects (such as excess alcohol intake) are avoided

Kidney and Bladder Effects

Certain chemotherapy medications, such as cisplatin, can cause damage to the kidneys and bladder. This can result in a decreased ability of your kidneys to filter your blood. Damage to the bladder can also occur and may be temporary or permanent. Symptoms of bladder irritation may include pain or urgency with urination, or blood in your urine.

Effect on the Eyes

Steroids are often given along with chemotherapy or for symptoms and side effects related to cancer. This can hasten the development of cataracts in some people.

Secondary Cancer

Due to the mechanism by which chemotherapy medications work, they can cause DNA damage in normal cells, which may result in secondary cancers down the line. Some chemotherapy medications are more likely to cause this damage, with a category called alkylating agents being most likely (an example of these is Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide)).

Medications used to treat lung cancer that may cause secondary cancer (though less likely) include Vepeid (etoposide) and Platinol (cisplatin).

Coping With the Late Effects of Chemotherapy

Late effects of cancer treatment, such as the long-term effects discussed above, are common. Many people find that there "new normal" is not what they would like, and feel frustrated that so little is said about these symptoms. This is changing rapidly, but many people still need to be their own advocates in order to have these issues addressed. It's only very recently that the term "survivorship" was coined, and research conducted looking into the long-range physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of surviving cancer.

Many of the larger cancer centers now provide cancer rehabilitation to help people maximize their new normal. The STAR program for cancer rehabilitation was designed specifically to address previously neglected symptoms that prevent cancer survivors from enjoying the quality of life they otherwise can.

What Can You Do to Lower Your Risk of Long-Term Side Effects?

Until we know more about long-term survivorship issues following chemotherapy for adults, there are a few things you can do:

Ask your oncologist about any late effects that you may expect from the particular chemotherapy drugs you were given. Are there any screening tests (for example, tests for heart problems, hearing loss, or osteoporosis) that she would recommend?

Keep a record of your chemotherapy regimen with you in case you see a physician who is unfamiliar with your medical history.

If you smoke, quit.

Make regular appointments with your dentist and eye doctor.

Engage in regular physical activity.

Limit your intake of alcohol.

Let your doctor know if you experience any new symptoms or worsening of current symptoms you have.

For childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors, long-term follow-up guidelines have been developed to address not only the long-term side effects discussed but other survivorship issues.

Thanks for your feedback!

What are your concerns?

Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand

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What are the Long Term Side Effects of Chemotherapy for Cancer Treatment

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The long-term side effects of chemotherapy are important to understand even though the benefits of treatment usually far outweigh these potential risks. Many people are familiar with symptoms such as hair loss and nausea, but there are less well-known symptoms that may persist or arise months to years after treatment has been completed.

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Video: An inside look: 2 students with cancer go to prom together

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Video: An inside look: 2 students with cancer go to prom together

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Teens fighting cancer together go to prom together

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Accessible, searchable cancer registry data with visualizations to aid in research

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Hearing the news you or a loved one has cancer can stir a range of emotional responses. While some people feel shock, disbelief and anger, others may experience sadness, fear and a sense of loss. Cancer support groups are designed to help people cope with all aspects of cancer diagnosis by providing a safe environment to share experiences and learn from others who are facing similar obstacles. Explore how joining a cancer support group could have powerful benefits on the success of treatment and recovery.

1. Provides Cancer-Specific Focus

How a person deals with cancer diagnosis depends on everything from the type of cancer to his or her age and stage of life. The focused nature of cancer support groups allows you to connect with other people who can relate to your situation and are navigating the same day-to-day challenges. Types of support groups include:

Cancer-specific support groups, including support groups specifically designed for those facing breast, blood, colorectal, esophageal, gynecological cancers and other types of cancer.

Advanced or recurring support groups for anyone whose cancer has progressed to stage IV or their cancer has returned after treatment.

High-risk cancer support groups to support and education women who are at high risk for breast or ovarian cancer.

Adolescent and young adult cancer support groups to address the unique challenges associated with AYA cancer and age-related development.

2. Comprehensive Emotional, Social & Educational Support

Cancer support groups offer a blend of emotional, social and educational support to guide those going through cancer treatments, as well as cancer survivors, through all phases of care. Support groups are run by licensed social workers and nurses with expertise and training in helping patients and families cope with adjusting to cancer. Topics cover everything from strategies for dealing with fatigue, isolation and concerns about the future to open-forum discussions on personal struggles and achievements.

3. Leads to Greater Quality of Life

Many studies have shown that support groups can improve quality of life for people dealing with a cancer diagnosis. In fact, support groups have been known to reduce anxiety and stress, emotional distress and depression, fatigue and the experience of pain, as well as to improve mood, self-image, ability to cope with stress, sexual enjoyment and overall feelings of control.

4. Continues Support Post-Treatment

Surviving cancer is the best possible outcome. Support can be just as important during treatment and recovery as it is once the cancer is gone, when a new set of challenges may emerge. During recovery, joining a cancer survivorship program can help equip you with the resources and support to navigate your new normal. Post-treatment support connects you with others who are coping with similar hurdles, such as possible infertility issues, insurance/financial issues and re-entry into the workforce.

5. Extends Support to Loved Ones

Support groups are also offered to caregivers, family members and friends who may need encouragement while learning to cope with the diagnosis of a loved one. Caregiver support offers open discussion, as well as educational information to help with practical advice and guidance from both healthcare professionals and other caregivers.

Whether you are facing a new diagnosis or dealing with the diagnosis of a loved one, you are not alone. The John Stoddard Cancer Center offers many support services to patients and families who wish to share their feelings with others who will understand. To learn more information on support group offerings, visit our Support Groups webpage.

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5 Powerful Benefits of Joining a Cancer Support Group (Infographic)

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Hearing the news you or a loved one has cancer can stir a range of emotional responses. While some people feel shock, disbelief and anger, others may experience sadness, fear and a sense of loss.