A bit about support groups:

If you have been diagnosed with cancer
There is no question that a diagnosis of cancer may have a significant impact on individual and family life functioning. Anxiety, sadness, anger, worry, and even depression are all 'normal' responses. The most important thing to remember when you face a cancer diagnosis, deal with treatment, and cope with the results, is that you are not alone. This is why support groups are so important, and The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at The University of Iowa now offers a professionally facilitated support group online. Support groups and counseling have become widely accepted as an important part of your medical treatment. Studies have shown that talking to others who understand or have been through your situation can not only make you feel less upset, fearful or anxious, but it can also help you focus on your health and treatment.

This doesn't mean family and friends aren't important. Family and friends are crucial support in helping to cope with a cancer situation, and not everyone with cancer wants or needs counseling. But, because other "issues" can get in the way, many people find it helpful to turn to someone "outside" of their immediate circle of support. There are also many topics, such as communicating with your doctor, learning about pain medication, and advocating for benefits, that professional counselors are trained to assist you with on a regular basis.

What are the types of support groups?
The main thing that separates different types of counseling and support groups is whether they are peer support (which means they are run by someone who has had cancer, and has "been through it") or are professional (which means they are run by professionally trained staff). Both offer something of value.

Resources in your community:

Where can you find more information about support groups?
If you want to find out about 'face to face' or telephone support groups, ask your medical care center or call a local cancer or community agency. Also, many churches and synagogues run support and bereavement groups. You can call The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at The University of Iowa's Cancer Information Service at 800-237-1225 for information about these and other local resources.

Financial issues
Most counseling services by cancer agencies are free or on a sliding scale. Your insurance may also cover the cost of private counseling; check your policy or call your agent to see if this applies to you.

Online support group participation information
The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at The University of Iowa is currently accepting registrations for the online support group for people affected or impacted by cancer. This is a private, confidential group, and it is free of charge. It is facilitated by an oncology social worker, an advanced practice nurse, and two Cancer Information Specialists, all from The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at The University of Iowa. The group is very much like a traditional support group in that it usually includes people who have been through or are facing a common situation and have come together to share their experiences, learn from each other, and share emotional support with one another.

To access the group, you will need to be registered. Please proceed to the next page if you would like to register for this information.

Online support group facilitators:

Joan Felkner, M.A. — 800-237-1225
joan-felkner@uiowa.edu
Keri L.N. Mercer, MPH, CHES — 800-237-1225
keri-mercer@uiowa.edu
Joan and Keri are with the Holden Cancer Information Service. There, they provide information on all aspects of cancer to patients, family members, the general public, and health professionals. Joan will be the administrator who gives you access to the group and helps you learn how to use the online site.

Linda Abbott, RN, MSN, AOCN, CWOCN — 319-353-8188
linda-abbott@uiowa.edu
Linda is an advanced practice nurse at The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at The University of Iowa. Linda provides patient and family education, as well as staff education, in all areas of cancer care. She has served as a facilitator of "I Can Cope" and one face-to-face support group in addition to the online support group at The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center.