Health Tip: Joining a Cancer Support Group

Dec. 13 -- (HealthDay News) -- Support groups can be a great resource for people with cancer, their families, and other loved ones.

The National Cancer Institute lists these potential benefits of joining a support group:

• They allow patients and loved ones to express their feelings, challenges and problems to others with similar experiences.
• They can provide an opportunity to share tips and advice on dealing with cancer and the side effects of treatment.
• They can help patients cope with the emotional effects of cancer, which is an important part of treatment.
• They can help friends and family deal with the stress and other emotions associated with caring for someone with cancer.