How to Support Cancer Patients

Cancer is a disease that can affect anyone at any age--and when it does--it can have devastating effects on the newly diagnosed patient, their family and friends. Cancer can also place tremendous pressure and challenges, both emotionally and financially, on caregivers. Finding a safe and supportive network made up of loving and kind people is very important in these times of overwhelming challenges. The emotional and financial burdens can take their toll on loved ones and friends as well. This article will give some tips for building up an environment of support for the cancer patient.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Website

   Find local cancer support groups or cancer networking social sites on the Internet. A great cancer organization is The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society where you can find plenty of resources and information relating to these cancers.( visit www.leukemia-lymphoma.org). Another non-profit group is The River of Hope Foundation, whose mission is to spread the message of hope, faith and strength to those who are struggling with the challenges of battling cancer. These sites and other non-profit cancer sites are set up to increase public awareness about the particular diseases and to raise money for funding research and biomedical studies to find cures and to set up community and educational training programs. (see Resources below).

2. 
    
   Journal or diary

   Keep a diary or journal with you so that you can write down your thoughts and fears. This will serve to help you and your care providers to manage the disease.

3. 
    
   Financial Support

   The financial costs can be tremendously challenging, especially if the diagnosis is chronic or requires multiple surgeries and complex treatments. There are various financial assistance programs and services that are offered to cancer patients and caretakers to help with some of the financial burden. The American Cancer Society and Cancer Care Foundation websites are good resources for further information (see links in Resources).

4. 
    
   Breast Cancer Fundraiser

   Help support cancer patients by organizing or participating in cancer charity or fundraiser events. Make donations to local cancer fundraisers and charities. These are important for supporting the cause and keeping the mission and goals alive.

5. 
    
   National Institute of Health NIH

   Volunteer your time at local cancer clinics or hospitals. These institutions also offer educational and informative programs aimed at empowerment for those facing cancer, as well as support and resources for caretakers and family members.

6. 
    
   Senate Bill

   Be an advocate for cancer and add your voice by placing pressure on Congress to enact laws and services to support cancer issues and research for developing new drugs and treatments. Support legislation on both the local and national levels. Be proactive and speak out for a cure for cancer.

7. 
    
   Chinese Association Cancer Fundraiser

   Sponsor or attend galas, balls and other community cancer events. Go to the cancer websites for details on upcoming events and activities (see Resources).

8. 
    
   Cancer Patient Support

   Find resource programs and services to support the cancer patient. There are many websites that provide information and helplines. The key is to find ways to manage the cancer experience, have help in making decisions regarding treatment options and gather the support of medical doctors, healthcare providers and social workers.

Tips & Warnings

• This article should not be a substitute for seeking medical attention from your own medical doctor or health care provider.

Resources

• Jewell TV
• River of Hope Foundation
• National Insitute for Health.
• National Cancer Institute
• Jewell Productions TV
• American Cancer Society
• Cancer Care
• Patient Advocate Foundation
• The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

[nlheinert]

on 1/18/2009 I'm not sure why it is showing a half star, I gave it 5!

[nlheinert]

on 1/16/2009 As always, an excellent article! I am not just saying that because the River of Hope Foundation is mentioned either:)

[valenzuela]

on 1/6/2009 I didn't know there were so many resources available to help find a cure and to support people fighting cancer. Thank you Dr. Jewell.

[pianoman]

on 1/3/2009 Great article. My wife died of breast cancer in 1989 when there wasn't as much information available as today. This article has a multitude of links to informative and supportive websites and organizations.

[Yinping]

on 1/3/2009 Doctor Jewell I always love reading your articles.
I have several members of the family who have been diagnosed with cancer and it is a tremendous challenge for them and for the caregivers. Thank you very much for writing this article to help those who really need the support and the help at a difficult time in their lives. It is always about the love, kindness, care and support that really matters at the end of the day. This is a great article.