Cancer Detection (cont.)
What other support is there for cancer patients?
Living with a serious disease is difficult. Cancer patients
and those
who care about them face many problems and challenges. Coping
with these
difficulties is easier when people have helpful information and
support
services.
Cancer patients may worry about holding their job, caring for
their
family, or keeping up with daily activities. Worries about
tests,
treatments, hospital stays, and medical bills are also common.
Doctors,
nurses, and other members of the health care team can answer
questions
about treatment, working, or other activities. Meeting with a
nurse,
social worker, counselor, or a member of the clergy also can be
helpful to
patients who want to talk about their feelings or discuss their
concerns
about the future or about personal relationships.
Friends and relatives, especially those who have had personal
experience
with cancer, can be very supportive. Also, it helps many
patients to meet
with others who are facing problems like theirs. Cancer
patients often get
together in support groups, where they can share what they have
learned
about cancer and its treatment and about coping with the
disease. It is
important to keep in mind, however, that each patient is
different.
Treatments and ways of dealing with cancer that work for one
person may
not be right for another, even if they both have the same kind
of cancer.
It is a good idea to discuss the advice of friends and family
members with
the doctor.
Often, a social worker at the hospital or clinic can suggest
groups that
can help with rehabilitation, emotional support, financial aid,
transportation, or home care. The American Cancer Society has
many
services for patients and families. Local offices of the
American Cancer
Society are listed in the white pages of the telephone
directory. The
Cancer Information Service also has information on local
services.
Next: What does the future hold for cancer patients? »
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