|
Sources of Support
Skin cancer has a better
prognosis,
or outcome, than most other types of
cancer. Still, learning you have any type of cancer can be upsetting. You may
worry about treatments, managing side effects, and medical bills. Doctors,
nurses, and other members of the health care team can answer your questions.
Meeting with a social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy can be helpful
if you want to talk about your feelings or concerns. Often, a social worker can
suggest resources for financial aid, transportation, or emotional support.
Support groups also can help. In these groups, patients or their family members
meet with other patients or their families to share what they have learned
about coping with cancer and the effects of treatment. Groups may offer support
in person, over the telephone, or online. You may want to talk with a member of
your health care team about finding a support group.
Information Specialists at 1-800-4-CANCER and at
LiveHelp 1 (http://www.cancer.gov/cis) can
help you locate programs, services, and publications. Also, you may want to see
the NCI fact sheet "National Organizations That Offer Services to People With
Cancer and Their Families 2."
|
