Receiving a pancreatic cancer diagnosis is daunting, but support is available. Pancreatic cancer support groups provide important emotional, informational, and financial assistance. Whether you join an in-person group, participate in online forums, or connect with a one-on-one mentor, these resources can offer comfort and guidance.
How to Find Pancreatic Cancer Support Groups?
Pancreatic cancer is distressing and frightening for patients and their loved ones. But you are not alone. It might be beneficial to talk to someone who has gone through a similar experience.
Support groups are a great way for those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, no matter where they are in their treatment journey and their loved ones, to connect.
But Where Should You Start?
For someone just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, it’s important to start by examining and expressing your personal needs and preferences. It will determine the kind of support that will be best on your journey.
Here are just a few options to start putting together your support network that will work closely with your doctors and other healthcare providers:
- Create a caring community that respects your unique needs and values from your network.
- Create a connection with other survivors and caregivers in a way that works for you.
- Find pancreatic cancer support groups that meet in person or online.
- Make a phone call to talk to someone one-on-one.
- Find a psychotherapist, a social worker, or a spiritual director who is experienced in supporting people with cancer.
- Consider talking to someone with expertise in financial matters, for example, American Life Fund, which provides financial resources for individuals with cancer.
In-person Pancreatic Cancer Support Groups, Meetups, And Networks
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (often called PanCAN) maintains a directory of in-person pancreatic cancer-related support groups in the United States. Most in-person pancreatic cancer support groups are led by a professional counselor, social worker, or nurse. You can learn from others and help each other by participating in local support and networking groups.
Connecting with other pancreatic cancer patients and caregivers in person might be a wonderful source of encouragement and support for people going through the disease.
PanCAN Patient Services is the place to contact when facing pancreatic cancer. Their highly trained Case Managers provide free, personal one-to-one support and information and help you find resources for any questions related to pancreatic cancer. You can contact them anytime by calling (877) 272-6226, emailing patientservices@pancan.org, or filling out this form.
Best Online Pancreatic Cancer Support Groups
People who live far from an in-person pancreatic cancer organization may prefer online pancreatic cancer support groups, message boards, and phone support groups.
- The National Pancreas Foundation has partnered with CancerConnect.com to moderate their pancreatic cancer online support group.
- CancerCare runs this free 15-week Pancreatic Cancer Patient Support Group. It is a safe place to share stories about pancreatic cancer. It is run by oncology social workers who provide emotional and practical assistance.
According to the CancerCare website, the purpose of the group is to:
- Reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and distress.
- Help you learn new coping methods and communicate better with your medical team and loved ones.
- Increase feelings of hope and empowerment.
- Provide you with practical information about treatment and resources.
One-on-One Pancreatic Cancer Support
A patient’s needs must be met and managed by a support system, including family, friends, healthcare providers, and patient advocates. One-on-one support is critical to enhancing the quality of life and overall well-being of pancreatic cancer patients.
Nothing compares to speaking with someone who has previously been in your shoes. Through the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s Survivor & Caregiver Network, you may connect with individuals who have gone through similar situations to get support and inspiration.
The Survivor & Caregiver Network is a group across the United States who can meet one-on-one with individuals with pancreatic cancer and their loved ones. All volunteers are pancreatic cancer survivors and caregivers who have given their contact information to be distributed through PanCAN Patient Services. You can contact them by phone or email. Talk to others who have had similar experiences, share information, ask questions, and gain support and inspiration.
Pancreatic Cancer Survivor Stories
Patients and families affected by pancreatic cancer might find inspiration and strength in stories from other survivors—the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network website posts stories from actual survivors impacted by the condition.
Many people find reading survivors’ accounts to be helpful. These stories provide valuable personal information, as well as optimism.
General Cancer Support Groups
Local hospitals and treatment facilities frequently provide pancreatic cancer support groups for individuals dealing with pancreatic cancer. If you live where there isn’t a support group specific to pancreatic cancer but still want to connect with people locally, consider joining a general cancer support group.
This blog post talks about various general resources – including the best blogs – for cancer patients that you might find helpful.
In Conclusion
When you’re diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, it can feel like you’re the only one suffering. But you’re not alone – there are almost 60,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer diagnosed each year in the United States. And while this number may seem daunting, know that more than 325,000 people are living with and beyond a diagnosis.
No matter what type of pancreatic cancer support group you choose, it’s important to find one that feels comfortable for you. You may need to try a few different groups before finding the right fit. But don’t give up – the supportive care of a good support group is there for you.
More Support for Pancreatic Cancer
