SUPPORT GROUPS OFFER CANCER PATIENTS A WAY TO EXPRESS FEELINGS AND CONCERNS

Augusta, Ga. -- The support of family, friends and medical staff is vital for the patient with cancer. But sometimes there are questions, feelings and concerns that can only be shared with others going through the same experience. That's where support groups come in.

Gita Giddens, Breast Health Coordinator, offers the following list of questions for cancer patients to gauge whether or not they're ready to join a support group:

• Do you enjoy being part of a group?
• Are you ready to talk about your feelings with others?
• Do you want to hear others' stories about their cancers?
• Would you like the advice of others who have gone through cancer treatment?
• Would reaching out to support other cancer patients make you feel better?
• Do you have helpful advice or hints to offer others?
• Would you be able to work with people who have different ways of dealing with cancer issues?
• Do you want to learn more about cancer and post-treatment issues?

If you answered yes to many or all of these questions, a cancer support group may be for you. The American Cancer Society and area hospitals can provide further information about support groups in your area.

The MCG Breast Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. and provides education and support for those with breast cancer. For more information, call 706-721-1467.

MCG Health System is composed of MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Hospitals and Clinics, Children's Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by offering the highest level of primary and specialty health care. For more information, please visit
MCGHealth.org.