A cancer diagnosis can induce a myriad of intense emotions that even the most supportive family and friends can’t understand unless they’ve received a cancer diagnosis themselves. Interacting with other people who have had similar, first-hand experiences with cancer can be impactful, and there has been extensive research on the positive effect of support groups as a method of coping with cancer.

That’s why WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital is resuming their once robust cancer support groups after a hiatus following Covid protocols.

“The benefits of support groups are immeasurable. A doctor can sit there and tell you what’s wrong. I can sit there and tell you how cancer is going to affect your emotions, your sleep and your appetite. But to sit there and process it with your peers, its just something else,” Rhonda Braden, social worker and survivorship coordinator at WVU Cancer Institute at Wheeling Hospital, said. “Everybody has a voice that wants one.”

Support groups have been shown to reduce traumatic stress symptoms, reduce other psychological symptoms and distress, improve coping, enhance disease knowledge, improve quality of life, and reduce pain. Patients, caregivers and family members can all benefit from joining support groups.

Wheeling Hospital currently offers a breast cancer support group, a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society blood cancer support group and a women’s support group. Braden is hoping to restart their prostate cancer support group, men’s support group and their caregivers support group.

“It’s just a matter of having a group of people that have a commonality that want to come together and discuss,” Braden said. “We can have support groups on anything related to cancer.”

The meetings are led by a trained facilitator and are kept to small groups. All support groups are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required, and refreshments are provided.

“I don’t believe support groups should be more than 15 people,” Braden said. “During an emotional time or a stressful time, it’s easier for people to get lost in a large group. Somebody ultimately doesn’t have a voice, and that’s not fair to anyone.”

Braden said she has watched life-long friendship bloom in support groups.

“It’s a unique set of circumstances that draws people together and provides them with a connection and comfort to share,” she said. “The most important thing that people need to know when it comes to support groups is that it’s about you. It’s about where you are. It’s about helping you and your family get through a very tough time.”

To learn more about Wheeling Hospital’s cancer support groups, please call Rhonda Braden at 304-217-2142.

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