Oncology Support Groups
Support groups are a great way to provide emotional support to people with cancer while also connecting them with others in similar situations. Social work school typically prepares social workers for basics in running support groups as part of the curriculum, but running a support group for people impacted by cancer can be a unique experience.
Below is information about types of oncology support groups, some tips for starting them, and some practical skills for facilitating them.
Watch this video for some background and basics about oncology support groups.
Types of Oncology Support Groups
Cancer-Specific
Support groups can be for participants with specific types of cancer so they can discuss common treatments surgical procedures as well as other emotional and physical side effects associated with the type of cancer. For example, those with colon cancer often need colostomy bags, which is not usual for people with other types of cancer, so a colon cancer-specific group could be helpful in discussing life with colon cancer.
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Metastatic Cancer
People with metastatic cancer have a unique experience with cancer due to the advanced nature. A support group for those with metastatic cancer
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Living with Cancer
A general group for anyone diagnosed with cancer regardless of stage or type because even though each type of cancer is very different, people can bond and support
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Gender-Specific
It can be helpful for people with cancer to be in a group with only other men or women to be able to bond with members of the same sex over common emotional or physical. For example, men with cancer may not feel comfortable talking about sexual side effects they experience if women are in the group and vice versa.​
​Age-Specific
You may find there is a need for a support group for people of a specific age to be able to discuss common issues that may arise during their cancer treatment process. For example, young adults with cancer may also be navigating being parents while older people with cancer may also be dealing with aging and other medical issues in addition to their cancer.
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Survivorship
Survivorship groups are for people who have completed their treatment and may be considered "cancer-free", but still have residual side effects from treatment and anxieties about fear of recurrence, but also many milestones to celebrate.
Caregiver
Caregivers of those with cancer may find comfort in a support group with other caregivers to discuss emotional support, resources, and advice with others in similar roles.
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Bereavement
Those who have lost a loved one to cancer have a unique grieving experience and support group specific for those in bereavement due to a cancer loss can be helpful.
Starting A Support Group
Before facilitating a group, an oncology social worker must first create the support group by doing a needs assessment, considering logistics, and recruiting members.
Facilitating A Support Group
Social workers should have some basic knowledge about facilitating a support group, but there are special factors and dynamics to consider for oncology support groups.