Support Groups for Skin Cancer Sufferers

It's been said that friendship can be the best medicine. This is especially true when life takes an unexpected turn for the worse. Sometimes, it seems that friends are all you have.

The diagnosis of skin cancer, even non-melanoma, can be a terrifying thing. It's even more frightening if you've been given a positive diagnosis for melanoma. You'll feel confused, frightened, and all alone. Your health care provider will likely suggest that a few counseling sessions with a psychologist may be what you need to talk out your fears.

But what he or she may not tell you is that one-on-one counseling may not be the strongest tool you need to help you through this emotional trauma. Sometimes the best advice doesn't come from the doctor who broke the news, the highly trained psychologist, or the partner with whom you share your life with. Sometimes the best advice comes from the people who have already been down that lonely road, and understand your fears from the inside out.

These caring and sharing groups of people are known as support groups. There are support groups for skin cancer sufferers who regularly meet to share their stories, talk over their hopes and fears, and offer a friendly ear and a helping hand. This type of open forum is often the best way to discuss these painful issues, as it's something that only those going through it could possibly understand.

A study conducted among people who had been diagnosed with melanoma revealed that patients were found to do better both emotionally and physically when they were part of a support group from the beginning of their treatment. The overall survival rate of people who were part of the group was three times that of patients who did not take part in the group. The study followed up with the patients six months after the group discussions ended, and found that a whopping 66% had an increase of at least 25% in their cancer fighting cells. No similar findings were present in those patients who were not part of a support group.

Some people would like to be able to talk to others with the same problems, but prefer some anonymity. There are at least two options open to these patients:

Telephone Help Line

A help line can be a great tool. Most major cities, and many smaller ones, will have help lines where patients can exchange ideas, and discuss their fears, with those at the other end of the phone line. The people who answer the calls are there because they have a desire to help, and many of them have been through similar experiences. While a help line can offer some degree of support, it does not have the impact of the regular contact you'll get from fellow sufferers in a group discussion forum.

Internet Chat Room

Exchanging thoughts and ideas through an online forum or chat room is a good alternative for those people who want to stay at home, but really do wish to reach out and communicate with people in the same situation they find themselves in. There are many such chat rooms on the net, and if one doesn't suit you another one certainly will. You'll find Internet chat rooms created for people in your area, as well as worldwide rooms. These are good alternatives, as they allow patients to learn about treatments that are available in other parts of the world. It can be interesting to learn about another physician's treatment plans, but don't try to follow someone else's procedure. Your doctor has devised the best treatment to meet your unique needs.

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, it's important to know that you are not alone. There are countless people who know what you're going through. Support groups for skin cancer sufferers provide a sort of medication for the soul, that medical doctors just can't prescribe.

Check out our informational and other skin cancer resources.