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A Q&A on Ovarian Cancer Support Groups

Ovarian cancer support groups are considered part and parcel of the treatment plan designed by many a physician. While doctors understand that they have the duty to treat the physical manifestations of the disease, they have begun to realize that the emotional and psychological aspects of the disease require more support than they have to offer during their brief office visits. To this end, many doctors have teamed up with various cancer support groups to facilitate the emotional support the patient needs so desperately to help in her recovery.

A Q&A on ovarian cancer support groups has found that the majority of questions seem to fall into four categories:

1. Is the group for ovarian cancer patients only or for cancer sufferers in general? By and large, physicians prefer for their patients to attend an ovarian cancer support group that is peopled with survivors and patients of that particular cancer. At the heart of this reasoning is the knowledge that ovarian cancer is a deadly disease that requires much more invasive treatment once diagnosed. To this end, the needs of patients can only truly be met by those who have undergone these treatments or who are in the process of doing so at the present time.

2. Is the group open to spousal participation? Groups vary, but many recognize that for women with ovarian cancer to truly open up it is wise to offer times without the family present. Seeking to facilitate the needs of both patients and loved ones, some groups have begun to offer family evenings twice a week to permit ovarian cancer patients and their spouses and extended families to share with the families of those who have already been through the process of supporting a loved one.

3. Is it easy to find and join ovarian cancer support groups? Information about available groups that are accepting new members is often found at the hospital. Treating physicians are also great sources of information and will sometimes be affiliated with several groups that provide the added benefit to the patient of including others who have experience working with the doctors and thus will serve to reassure the current patient as to the doctor's experience and skill. If all else fails, there are copious governmental services that provide referrals and information for those checking into the availability of local ovarian cancer support groups.

4. Finally, the question almost everyone seems to have is "who leads the group?" There is not general answer but usually the group is a loosely connected network or survivors and current patients undergoing treatment. In some cases a volunteer cancer survivor will lead the group, while at other times it is a paid social worker, psychologist, or registered nurse. Each kind of group leadership offers distinct advantages to attendees and before you completely discount one kind in favor of another, give it a try and see if there is anything you may gain from attendance at a certain group - you may be surprised to find out how much help an ovarian cancer survivor without a degree can offer to a room filled with scared women!