Cancer diagnosis and treatment often come with different emotions and side effects, and going through that alone can be difficult. Joining a support group provides opportunities to connect with others who are going through the same thing, learn from guest speakers, and share self-care tips and other information.
“There’s a deep connection when patients talk with others with shared experience,” said Martha Keys, OSW-C, oncology social worker at CHI Saint Joseph Health – Cancer Care in Lexington. “With our virtual groups, patients who don’t feel well can join from their living room.”
Research indicates participating in a support group can improve quality of life and even increase survival rates. Here are a couple of groups to consider:
This group provides support for women with all types of cancer. The virtual group, which attracts women from different states, meets online every Tuesday at 11 a.m. ET. A new in-person group also meets at CHI Saint Joseph Health – Cancer Care in Lexington once a month.
Men with prostate cancer and their significant others can join the group, which meets virtually at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month. Guest speakers include urologists, oncologists, dietitians, physical therapists and many more.
“I encourage people to just try it once,” Keys said. “All you have to do is listen. It’s an opportunity to find hope you didn’t have before.”
We're committed to providing the care and resources you and your loved ones need to manage a cancer diagnosis. Call 859.313.4530 or email [email protected] to learn more about joining a cancer support group.
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Spirit of Health magazine's print edition is distributed quarterly and focuses on topics related to our CHI Saint Joseph Health purpose and values.
