Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in American men after skin cancer. 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. This disease can be frightening and overwhelming, so it’s important to have a support system in place. 

Support groups for prostate cancer provide a forum for men affected by prostate cancer to share their experiences, learn from others, and find strength in numbers. This blog post will discuss prostate cancer, the risk factors for developing the disease, the signs and symptoms to watch out for, and the importance of support groups for those affected by prostate cancer.

Blog feature image with a group of people climbing up a mountain and a caption that says prostate cancer how to find support groups

Prostate Cancer Support Groups You Can Join

Winship Cancer Institute

Winship Cancer Institute offers cancer-specific and topical support groups every month. These groups are facilitated by licensed social workers, registered nurses, and other professionals who can offer you the support you need.

Prostate Cancer Support Group 1 – Rsvp Required

Meets via Zoom on the first Wednesday of each month from 11:00 am-12:00 pm. Facilitators: Frank Eady, LMSW, James Hankins, MSW, LCSW.

RSVP to Frank.Eady@emoryhealthcare.org or (404) 778-5976 or james.hankins@emoryhealthcare.org or 404-778-5716

Prostate Cancer Support Group 2 – Rsvp Required

Meets via Zoom on the second Thursday of each month from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm. Facilitator: Rebecca S. Arnold, LCSW, OSW-C.

RSVP to rebecca.arnold@emoryhealthcare.org or (678) 843-7021

ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer

ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer is here to help. In different states, they offer support groups for patients, caregivers, and families affected by prostate cancer. The groups are led by skilled facilitators who provide an empathetic and supportive environment.

Cancer Care

An oncology social worker leads this group, including nurses and support staff dedicated to helping people with cancer and their families. Whether you’re coping with treatment side effects, trying to make sense of your diagnosis, or just want to connect with others who know what you’re going through, this group can help.

Prostate Cancer Patient Support Group

CancerCare has a 15-week online support group. Co-sponsored by the National Alliance of State Prostate Cancer Coalitions (NASPCC), this group is led by an oncology social worker. It provides a safe place for patients to give and receive support from one another. You’ll also have access to useful resources and information while in this group.

Facebook Groups Lead by The Prostate Cancer Foundation

The Prostate Cancer Foundation Facebook Groups offer patients, families, and caregivers a place to find support and information. There are many different types of groups available to find one right for you. Some groups are large online communities, while others are facilitated by a mental health professional, a person with cancer, or a medical expert. Whatever your needs, there is a group out there for you.

Prostate Cancer and Veterans

Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer Caregivers

Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer Survivors

Prostate Cancer and Gay, Bisexual Men & Transgender Women

African American Men and Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer Active Surveillance

Prostate Cancer and Men Diagnosed Under Age 50

Non-Surgical Prostate Cancer Treatments Group

Prostate Cancer Family Survivors

Eat It To Beat It PLUS

prostate cancer support group

What Are Prostate Cancer Support Groups?

For many men, a diagnosis of prostate cancer is a shock. In addition to the physical challenges the disease poses, men must also grapple with cancer’s emotional and psychological impact. A cancer diagnosis can be a lonely and isolating experience, but support groups provide a forum for patients to connect with others facing similar challenges.

For example, some men may feel isolated and alone when dealing with their diagnosis. Others may struggle with anxiety or depression. A support group provides a forum for men affected by prostate cancer to share their experiences and find strength in a community. Whether dealing with prostate cancer or supporting a loved one through treatment, a support group can be a valuable resource.

The Importance of Support Groups For Prostate Cancer

When men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, they often feel isolated and alone. Talking about such a personal issue can be difficult, even with close friends or family members. However, there’s nothing wrong with seeking support from others with similar experiences. A group like this helps you feel less alone when going through an illness or situation that seems impossible. The prostate cancer community offers a safe place for men to share their stories and learn what it takes during this difficult time in life.

Likewise, cancer support communities can be invaluable resources for newly diagnosed patients with prostate cancer as they navigate their treatment options. These groups can also support men dealing with prostate cancer recurrence or the side effects of treatment.

A support group is an essential part of their life journey toward recovery for many men. Moreover, patients can find strength in numbers and receive the necessary emotional support to cope with their diagnosis. In addition, they can learn about new treatments and share tips on how to manage side effects.

How a Prostate Cancer Support Group Works

A cancer support community may meet in person or online and typically offer educational resources, coping strategies, and emotional support. They offer members a safe space to find encouragement and share their experiences or knowledge. Trained professionals and physicians typically facilitate prostate cancer support groups.

A prostate cancer support group can come in many shapes and sizes. Some are enormous internet communities with many individuals who can respond to your inquiries. A mental health professional might assist someone diagnosed with an illness, the family of someone diagnosed, or a medical expert in a specific area. They may be handled in person, over the internet, or by phone. You might wish to look at a few groups to see which one you are most comfortable with.

Who Can Benefit From Joining a Prostate Cancer Support Group?

Men affected by prostate cancer, either directly or indirectly, can benefit from joining a support group. Different hospitals and cancer centers offer support groups for men with prostate cancer and their loved ones. Patients can often find information about these groups on the website of the American Cancer Society.

prostate cancer forums

Why You Should Join a Prostate Cancer Support Group?

Become Part of a Community

You’ll get instant comradery. Patients will have individuals to talk to who are going through or who have been through a similar experience. Becoming part of a community can help to feel less alone and more understood.

Be More Confident

Take control of your condition by gaining confidence. The other participants might advise how to deal with adverse effects and recommendations for resources and providers. This can help you to feel more confident in your treatment and recovery plan.

Better Stress Management

Learn coping strategies and acquire the skills to deal with stress and adapt to your changing circumstances. Talking to other patients and specialists in support groups can help you learn what works best when it comes to managing the stress that comes with this diagnosis.

Feel Free to Share Your Feelings

It’s important not to bottle up your feelings by openly discussing your emotions and worries. It’s no secret that men have a tough time expressing themselves; this is especially true when it comes to health. A support group allows you to talk freely in a secure setting.

In Summary

Many resources help men cope with prostate cancer, including online support groups, helplines, and patient organizations. If you’re affected by prostate cancer, consider joining a support group or taking advantage of other resources. Joining a support group offers you the chance to speak with other men who have gone through or are currently going through prostate cancer. This can help you to cope with your diagnosis and treatment options.

You can share your experiences, exchange information and tips, and receive support from people who understand what you’re going through. Helplines provide confidential, one-on-one support from trained cancer specialists. Patient organizations offer a variety of resources and services, including educational materials, financial assistance, and emotional support.

More on Prostate Cancer

About the Author: Eugene Houchins

In 2005, Gene Houchins founded American Life Fund, addressing a significant gap in financial options for life insurance policyholders. As its leader, Gene specializes in providing swift financial support for those with severe illnesses. Through viatical settlements, his organization is able to assist patients with funding medical and living expenses through their existing life insurance policies.

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