How to Find a Skin Cancer Support Group

Finding a skin cancer support group may be essential in informing you of treatment options, alternative health methods, home care providers, clinical trials and even just knowing what to expect during the treatment process. Most people find it comforting to talk to others who have been through the treatment and are doing well, which can help to reduce the stress of dealing with a cancer diagnosis. A support group can also help you adjust to lifestyle changes you must make to cope with your illness.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Oncologist or dermatologist

Find Skin Cancer Support Groups

1. Tell your health care team that you want to locate a skin cancer support group. They can help you find one that's right for you, or help you get in contact with other patients who have found comfort in such groups.
2. Log onto the Web sites for the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute (see Resources below), which both have features to help you find a skin cancer support group close to where you live.
3. Talk to others who have undergone treatment for skin cancer, and ask them about any support groups they may have encountered that helped them.

Find the Support Group That is Right for you

4. Consider one of the many online support groups available if you are not feeling well enough to attend a support group in person.
5. Choose one of the many general support groups for cancer if you cannot locate one that specifically handles skin cancer patients. Most support groups are very welcoming to everyone that attends, regardless of the specifics of their condition.
6. Keep your doctor informed as to how attending the support groups is helping you, so that he might refer other patients. Ask him about specific concerns you might raise during a support group meeting.

Tips & Warnings

• The Consumer Bill of Rights and Responsibilities states that you have the right to participate in all treatment decisions, and to be informed of all of your options when being treated for skin cancer.
• Finding out you have cancer can prevent you from carrying out your normal day-to-day activities due to emotional and psychological stress. Ask your doctor about ways you can cope with this trauma, including counseling and medication.