Talk to your doctor about other cancer patients who may be interested in joining a support group.
Overcoming cancer can be lonely. One of the biggest problems people have when going through such a trauma is not having others to talk to who are experiencing the same thing. This is where a cancer support group can be helpful. If there is no current group in your area, you can start your own with a group of your peers.
Instructions
1. Ask your physician about her other cancer patients. Because of confidentiality, you may not get names of people who are interested in joining a support group, but your doctor may allow you to place materials regarding the group in her office. If your doctor gives you permission, print up flyers announcing the meeting, and place them in her waiting room.
2. Get in touch with health care professionals. Contact the education or social services departments at your local hospital to see what existing resources are available. Many times these professionals are in contact with other cancer patients and provide ancillary services to their care. They may even be willing to work in conjunction with you to help form a group. They may also be able to assist with securing a room in the hospital for the group to meet.
3. Plan the meeting. Decide how frequently the group will meet, where it will meet and how long the meeting will last. Set parameters of how official or casual the meetings will be, if there will be guest speakers or if health care professionals will be available to attend and share their expertise. Decide if refreshments will be served, who will provide them and what they will consist of.
4. Contact the media. The local newspaper and electronic media can help you publicize the formation of the group. Each one of these outlets runs what are known as public service announcements, and they provide this service free of charge. Tell them when and where the group will meet, and give a contact phone number for interested people to call for more information. Most media outlets require that the information be in writing, but if you are not sure compile the information, approach a local public relations firm or association to see if someone will put together a news release for you free of charge.
Tags: cancer patients, group your, other cancer, other cancer patients, support group, will meet
