Your cancer care team will be your first source of information and support, but there are many places where you can get more help when you need it.
A hospital- or clinic-based support services are an important part of your care. These might include nurse or social work services, financial aid, nutritional advice, rehab, or spiritual help.
Some people worry that asking for support is a sign of weakness. They may feel that they need to “be strong” and handle things on their own. You don’t have to be alone to be strong. Emotional support is needed at every stage of the cancer journey, and it can come from many places. Along with your family and friends, look to other sources of support, such as your cancer care team, support groups, and your place of worship. Asking for support is one way you can stay in control of your situation. Talking about what’s going on and how you feel can bring comfort and reassurance.
It can be awkward to talk about cancer, and sometimes people worry that they’ll upset you by bringing up the topic or talking about it. You may need to take the first step.
Individual or group counseling and support groups can help you cope. Many people with cancer find it easier to talk with people who are, like them, going through cancer. Support groups can also give you useful information about your cancer and its treatment. If you’re not able to get to a group near you, there are online support groups like the American Cancer Society Cancer Survivors Network®. This is a free online support community created by and for people with cancer and their families. Visit http://csn.cancer.org to sign up. Community agencies can sometimes help with the many demands cancer places on families and friends. All of these resources may also help those who are supporting and caring for loved ones with cancer.