Cervical Cancer Support Groups

Even with the support of friends and family, it is common for women who are battling cervical cancer to feel alone in their fight. It is difficult to express frustration and stress to others who haven't experienced cancer treatment or the stress of having cancer.

A cervical cancer support group is an excellent way to fill the void in support. These groups allow cervical cancer patients to bond, giving a type of support that only another person who has "been there, done that" can give.
Types of Cervical Cancer Support Groups
There are two basic types of support groups setting, local and online. Both have the benefits and vary greatly from group to group. Each group may focus on a different personal stage in cancer treatment, from the newly diagnosed to cancer survivors.

Local Support Groups: Hospitals and cancer centers often offer regularly scheduled support groups for cancer patients, their families, and survivors. Meetings are held normally held in the hospital, cancer center, local library, or conference room. The groups are often led by an oncologist, nurse, psychologist or therapist, and sometimes a cancer survivor.

You can find local support groups through:

The American Cancer Society

hospital or treatment center staff

church, synagogue, or other religious institution


Online Support Groups: Cervical cancer support is only a click away with online support groups. Forums and message boards tailored to those who are being treated for cervical cancer or those who are survivors are excellent ways to get and give support. This is especially true for women who are experiencing treatment side effects like stomach upset and fatigue, which can make it difficult to leave the home at times.

Recommended online cervical cancer support groups:

The American Cancer Society

MDAnderson Online Cancer Support

CancerCompass

Yahoo Groups
Tips for Finding the Right Support Group
It make take going to a few meetings or logging into a few support message boards before you find the support environment you are looking for. These tips will help you find an effective support group:

Find a support group led by an experienced leader (physician, therapist, clergy, or a trained survivor).

Look for a group that targets your specific needs, such as a cervical cancer support group for women going through chemotherapy or who have had hysterectomies.

Seek a group that has rules and boundaries about sharing private information that is revealed during sessions.

Find a group that you feel comfortable in. It may take a few meetings or sessions before you feel comfortable about expressing your feelings, but it is important to feel comfortable around the leader and other members