How Do I Choose the Best Breast Cancer Support Group?

Many times individuals living with similar challenges, such as those with breast cancer, prefer to meet together to support one another. These support groups might provide you with a feeling of belonging, new ideas, and a chance to socialize with people who have similar situations. If you are living with breast cancer, you might want to find a breast cancer support group for yourself and your family. To choose the best breast cancer support group, consider recommendations from your doctor, when and where the group meets, who the group is designed for, and the group’s focus.

When choosing a breast cancer support group, your doctor might be a great source of information. He or she treats many patients in similar circumstances and may be able to direct you to groups that might be a good fit for your unique situation. If nothing else, the recommended groups can be a great starting point for finding a breast cancer support group that is a good fit for you.

Specifics such as when and where the group meets might be important when choosing which group is right for you. Some individuals prefer support groups held locally, allowing for one on one interaction with other participants and engaging in activities outside of the support group. Others might prefer a breast cancer support group that meets on the Internet. The latter option allows you to interact with the group without having to keep a specific schedule, while the former is more intimate. If you are meeting within the local community, you'll want to ensure the group meets at a time convenient for you.

Support groups are sometimes formed for different groups of people who are all touched by a certain event. A breast cancer support group might be focused on the patient, the patient’s spouse, or the patient’s children. Each group might have a different purpose and focus, each group learning specific ways to cope with their circumstances. When choosing a breast cancer support group, choose one pertinent to you or those who will participate with you.

Once you have found a breast cancer support group, you should not feel obligated to stay with that group if you are uncomfortable. Participation in a support group is supposed to be comforting, so if you find yourself gaining little from the group, do not be afraid to try another group. Finding one that fits your needs and wants will allow you to participate fully in a group that helps you succeed.