Colorectal cancer information and support groups now exist in several communities across Canada to assist patients and their caregivers throughout their cancer journey. Monthly meetings are held where patients, caregivers and their families can share experiences, offer help and provide colorectal cancer information. Support groups will provide a:
- Presentation of clinical research updates on the most current treatment options: These updates allow patients to make more informed decisions surrounding their treatment plans and provide them the opportunity to have thoughtful dialogues with their treating oncologists.
- Review of each patient’s case to ensure optimal support: Group members are encouraged to share information about their journey, addressing concerns with respect to treatments or side effects, fears, nutrition, post treatment follow-up care or any other issue they feel worthy for discussion.
DID YOU KNOW?
Across Canada, more than two million people are now involved in information/support groups.
People who have social support are more likely to be healthier than those who do not.
BENEFITS REPORTED BY PATIENTS WHO HAVE ATTENDED OUR INFORMATION/SUPPORT GROUPS:
- Learning more about cancer
- Learning more about resources for people with cancer
- Feeling that life is more meaningful
- Being able to cope with illness and medical procedures
- Having a better perspective on illness
- Being more aware of needs
- Being able to talk about cancer
- Being able to talk with family and friends about cancer
- Feeling physically stronger
- Feeling more empowered or able to make decisions
- Being less isolated
- Being more active, socially and physically
There is a growing need to increase the number of Information/Support Groups across Canada. CCC is tasked with the creation and support of new Information/Support Groups. Financial support is highly welcomed to help meet the growing demands in the provision of supportive care and access to vital information for colorectal cancer patients and their families.
