Thinking About Joining a Prostate Cancer Support Group?
There are many reasons to join a prostate cancer support group. They can make all the difference and have great benefits throughout all the stages of the prostate cancer journey. It’s important to know that whatever stage you are at, or if someone you love is fighting prostate cancer, you are not alone. And a prostate cancer support group is going to help with this sentiment.
Prostate cancer support groups can help men, who’ve recently undergone prostate cancer diagnosis, with guidance. Additionally, it can be a safe place to acquire information and emotional support. This can help make important decisions about treatment and other aspects of dealing with cancer.
Prostate cancer support groups are helpful at all stages
Even men who, for instance, have already gotten treatment for prostate cancer can benefit from a prostate cancer support group. This is because it helps them discuss difficulties that can arise post-treatment. For example, incontinence, anxiety and depression, erectile dysfunction and diet and exercise.
Additionally, maintaining an active support group after treatment can also help with processing the experience. As well as, provide them support if there happens to be a recurrence. If this were to happen, they would have up-to-date knowledge concerning current treatments and options.
Not to mention, that after treatment, men can give back and help other men struggling through their own prostate cancer journey. Giving back can be a healing experience as well as helping new members battle the early stages of their cancer.
What does a typical support group meeting look like?
- Who goes to prostate cancer support groups?
Usually, attendees would include men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer or who have had a recurrence. However, it isn’t uncommon to also see family members or partners of men suffering from prostate cancer. Besides members, typically there is also a social worker or another facilitator of some sort running the session.
- How do facilitators usually run meetings?
In most support groups, facilitators run sessions evenings during the week, typically once a month. To start, attendees introduce themselves and why they have come to the support group. They might also mention what they are hoping to gain from attending and sharing.
Usually, regular attendees and the facilitator will ask new members about their specific situation. The more detail they can get, the more they can help a new attendee with their journey through prostate cancer.
Even so, no one is forced to share if they are not yet feeling comfortable enough to do so. Sharing is not required to attend a prostate cancer support group meeting.
What if there aren’t meetings available in my area?
Although virtual meetings have been available for a significant amount of time, they have grown in number dramatically since covid. So now it’s easier than ever to access a support group, whether in person or virtually. It can be a great way to attend from a safe space.
Whether you are ready to share or not quite yet, it’s always a good idea to come down to a meeting. You will always be welcome.
If you want to keep up to date with our virtual prostate cancer support group, click on this link.
Check our resources section for further information. Where we can even help you connect with a prostate cancer survivor.
If you have any questions, or just want to talk, call us at our toll-free hotline: 1(833)HEAL-MEN. You are not alone in this journey. We are here to help guide and support you through it, every step of the way.
