What Are The Benefits Of Participating In A Prostate Cancer Support Group?

Jan. 01, 2009 -- Question: What are the benefits of participating in a prostate cancer support group?

Answer: I think it's a mixed bag. There are benefits and there are liabilities. So the benefits are that you're in a group with other patients who are in a similar situation, and there's always a feeling and sense of comfort when one is surrounded by people who have gone through the same ordeal.

On the other hand, there are concerns that I have because some people who are in support groups may have not had a good outcome, so they talk about all the negative aspects of what has occurred to them, and that may have a negative impact on the patient who has not yet been treated.