Mesothelioma Support Groups

When you hear the diagnosis of cancer, it is frightening and overwhelming. You don't know what to do or where to turn. Many people find that a support group can be very helpful. Our daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, and she found a breast cancer support group in her city that helped her immensely. She also has a breast cancer support group on the internet. Both support groups have helped her make it through this difficult time.

Cancer and mesothelioma support groups come in many shapes and sizes - some are formal and concentrate on learning about cancer or dealing with emotional issues. Others are informal and are social groups. Many are just for patients, but some groups include patients, friends, and family members. Some are led by professionals in the field, and other support groups are led by patients. Whatever the format, a support group can help you deal with the fears and problems posed by a severe cancer such as mesothelioma.

Ask your doctors, nurses, hospital social workers, your union, or your occupational group for their help in locating a mesothelioma support group in your area. Some newspapers carry a special health supplement with information about where to find support groups. You can also search the internet to find mesothelioma support groups in your area.

You also can contact the American Cancer Society for help. Their telephone number is 1-800-ACS-2345, and they are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Support groups for mesothelioma and other cancers can be very helpful when you are facing cancer. Here is a list of some of the ones I have found. Just take the link to find out additional information about them.

• American Cancer Society (ACS) provides nformation about cancer, cancer treatment, support groups and services, and special health needs of patients and survivors.
• American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is a free information program from the American Institute for Cancer Research to help cancer patients and their families understand more about cancer, its treatment, and the resources available to help them in overcoming this disease.
• Association of Cancer Online Resources (ACOR) offers information and support through its integrated system of online discussion groups. It creates specific websites and hosts a growing number of websites. Some are created by patients for patients and caregivers, some by cancer advocacy organizations, and professional organizations. ACOR volunteers have also created a growing number of disease specific websites. They also have a mailing list for mesothelioma patients.
• Cancer Information and Counseling Line (CICL) is a national toll-free telephone information line designed to help people with cancer and their families. CICL provides up-to-date medical information, emotional support through short-term counseling, and resource referrals. You also can pose questions online and join their online discussion group.
• Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is designed for cancer survivors and their families and friends. You can create your own personal online space to tell about yourself and your cancer experience, share photos and audio, start a blog, contribute resources, and more.
• CancerCare Counseling offers free professional counseling individually or through professionally faciliated support groups. Both types of these services are available in three different ways: online, by telephone, and on-site at a CancerCare location in New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
• Gilda's Club provides meeting places where men, women, and children living with cancer and their families and friends join with others to build emotional and social support as a supplement to medical care. Free of charge and nonprofit, Gilda's Club offers support and networking groups, lectures, workshops, and social events in a nonresidential, home-like setting.
• Hospice Education Institute is an independent, not-for-profit organization offering information about hospice and palliative care and can refer cancer patients and their families to local hospice and palliative care programs.
• I Can Cope is a program through the American Cancer Society offers several courses that are designed to help participants cope with their cancer experience by increasing their knowledge, positive attitude, and skills.
• Lean On Me is a web site devoted to mesothelioma victims and their families. It promotes an inspiring book written by Lorraine Kember. This book is a true story describing her husband's vigorous struggle with the agony of mesothelioma lung cancer and her heart-felt journey as she coped with the harsh reality of death.
• Look Good... Feel Better was developed by the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association Foundation in cooperation with American Cancer Society and the National Cosmetology Association. It focuses on techniques that can help people undergoing cancer treatment improve their appearance.
• Lung Cancer Alliance is the only national non-profit organization dedicated solely to patient support and advocacy for people living with lung cancer and those at risk for the disease. Lung Cancer Alliance recognizes the need for some patients and their caregivers to discuss issues associated with lung cancer. Support groups and educational sessions specific to lung cancer are available, but sometimes difficult to find.
• National Cancer Institute (NCI) provides a variety of information including information about cancers, clinical trials, and common cancer topics. Residents of the United States may call the NCI's Cancer Information Service toll-free at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Deaf and hard-of-hearing callers with TTY equipment may call 1-800-332-8615. The call is free, and a trained Cancer Information Specialist is available to answer your questions.
• National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) is the largest nonprofit membership organization representing hospice and palliative care programs and professionals in the United States. The organization is committed to improving end-of-life care and expanding access to hospice care with the goal of profoundly enhancing quality of life for people dying in America and their loved ones.
• R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation honors one of the founders of H&R Bloch who died from cancer. Their Cancer Survivor's Park in Kansas City is designed to "tribute the living" and empower those with cancer so they do not give up. Information on how to start hotlines and other cancer-related programs can be found on this site.
• Stories of Hope is offered through the American Cancer Society. Find inspiration, hope, and support in these stories about other people whose lives have been touched by cancer.
• Taking Charge of Money Matters is a class offered through the American Cancer Society. It is designed to address common financial concerns of people with cancer and their loved ones, regardless of health insurance status.
• The SemiColon Club is the Colorectal Cancer Network's national support group. Find the branch in your area.
• The Wellness Community - Cancer Support Community is a free national program of emotional support, education, and hope for people with cancer and their loved ones.