If you’ve recently been diagnosed with cancer, you’re probably overwhelmed with questions and concerns. That’s completely understandable, as cancer is a life-changing experience. But you don’t have to go it alone – it’s important to have support. Not sure where to start? Check out our blog on how to ask for help after a cancer diagnosis. Read on to learn why support matters and practical steps for building your support network.
Support equals health
Multiple studies have found a direct link between personal relationships and better health. Strong relationships are “protective,” meaning patients with more friends and/or family have better health and a lower risk for premature death of all types.
“I see it every day. The patients with people to lean on experience less depression and anxiety,” said Katherine Ghilani, MSW, LSW, TTS, oncology social worker at the OhioHealth Oncology Survivorship Clinic. “They feel better emotionally, and they have better health outcomes.”
Support equals strength
With greater support comes a better quality of life and well-being. Those supporting you can take the burden of daily activities – such as childcare, transportation to appointments, housekeeping and cooking meals – off your plate so you can focus on getting well.
Strong relationships can also provide emotional connection, reassurance and guidance. Your support network can be a safe place to discuss your fears and questions. The more supported you feel, the less isolated and overwhelmed you’ll be.
Who should be in my support system?
Your support system should be people who will be motivating and positive, no matter the circumstances. “I tell patients that your best supporters are the people who are not going to run away when things get tough,” said Katherine. It can be challenging to witness someone you love go through cancer, so be choosy in who you lean on. You can find support from family, friends, coworkers, your care team, therapist, support group and others.
How do I ask for support?
Katherine advises you to ask for the specific help you need. Your family and friends will say they want to help, but just aren’t sure how. “Be very clear on what you need,” Katherine said. When you ask for help, be open with how you are feeling at that moment and make it clear that you may not be able to reciprocate the support right away.
How do I know if I have enough support?
Most likely, you can never have enough support during a cancer crisis. Katherine said, “Cancer patients tend to have a fight or flight reaction, which means they are painfully aware of every need from the basics like food or shelter to the emotional comfort of love.”
But the need for support doesn’t end when treatment ends. Katherine said, “The post-treatment time can be even more challenging for cancer patients because they were so focused on survival during treatment that going ‘back to normal’ seems strange. However, this is also when support can wane.” So, you may need to ask again for support after treatment.
How do I build a support network if I am too shy?
If you are introverted, it can be challenging to ask for help. But Katherine said, “It’s totally worth it to break out of your shell if you can. For example, I met a breast cancer patient who had no children or family and few friends. She also had an extensive history of mental health issues. After a lot of encouragement, she joined a support group, where she met a woman who was further along in treatment but experiencing some of the same post-treatment issues. This woman provided my patient with wonderful encouragement. She was able to tell her what to expect. This was a big revelation for my patient, who had not dared to think that far ahead.”
How does the OhioHealth Survivorship Clinic help?
The OhioHealth Survivorship Clinic sees breast cancer patients both in treatment and post-treatment. Services include nutrition advice from a dietitian, medical support from advanced practice providers and mental health support from social workers like Katherine. “I meet with patients to assess their mental health and link them to resources like support groups if they need them. The goal is to improve every patient’s well-being and to normalize the cancer experience for patients,” Katherine said.
OhioHealth currently offers two in-person cancer support groups, which can be an excellent source for building a cancer support system. One is for breast cancer survivors who are post-treatment. The other support group is for colorectal patients in active or post-treatment.
Building a cancer support system can help you survive cancer and thrive after you’ve completed treatment. To contact the OhioHealth Cancer Survivorship Clinic, please call (614) 566-2300.
