Support groups

Many men found that the help they received from support groups and charities was invaluable. Men reported that they and their wives received much needed information about prostate cancer, and that the support groups helped them come to terms with their disease and gave them a more positive outlook. 

Explains how encouraged he is by meeting those who have had cancer for a number of years.

Considers how beneficial groups are for relaying information.

A few men described special centres that have been set up to provide information and emotional support to people with all forms of cancer. Some men explained how they themselves had helped others, and how they had set up new support groups for men with prostate cancer, However, while most men found the information provided by charities and support groups most useful, not all men wanted to belong to a support group. Some men considered that they had enough support from friends and family. Others feared that support group meetings might be depressing. Some men who had made contact with support groups had found them unhelpful for various reasons.

Concludes that he found the cancer groups supportive and very encouraging.

Describes how he received calls from people wanting to know more about prostate cancer.

Describes how he started a support group.

Explains his personal decision to avoid support groups.

Expresses his concern that support groups may quell optimism.

Considers it easier to find information via the Internet rather than through support groups.