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The Importance of Cancer Support Groups

As the number of cancer diagnoses increases, so does the number of cancer support groups. Cancer support groups are groups in which cancer patients can join and find help, resources, and companionship in other cancer patients. Patients can find local, statewide, nationwide, and even international cancer support groups to join. Some groups are cancer specific, like groups for mesothelioma patients, or skin cancer patients, while many tailor to cancer patients in general.

These support groups are a great tool for fighting and surviving cancer. Many studies have examined these groups and have found them to be an important part of cancer treatment. One study examined the psychosocial benefits of cancer support groups and found that women in these groups were "significantly less depressed, less anxious, and had more knowledge of their illness. This resulted in better relationships with care givers, fewer sexual difficulties, and more participation in leisure activities.

Support groups also provide companionship for cancer patients. In these groups, people gain friends, connections, and support beneficial to their recovery. Many cancer support groups use the same methods and activities to help patients such as counseling, informational sessions about cancer related subjects, social events, doctor and hospital referrals, and some even include support like free rides and hotel stays. Cancer support groups are incredibly beneficial because they offer services and support that cancer patients cannot get on their own or from family members who have never had cancer. Cancer support Groups are more than just information, they are a network of other cancer patients that will support each other, celebrate each other's victories, and share each other's tears.

Cancer support groups are the medicine that doctors cannot inject and cancer cannot defeat. Many studies even show a correspondence of survival rates to cancer support treatment groups. Support groups can help you manage and survive during cancer. Even for those who have non-treatable cancers, these groups can help inject a positive outlook on life, which might not increase their life expectancy, but will most definitely make their last years more comfortable and enjoyable. When medicine and support come together, we can win against cancer!

By: David Haas

Into Ocean City Md.

Last hundred miles into Ocean City, hot and muggy. The Boss was lucky to find us a place to stay. The Fourth of July is big doin's at the beach. Felt good to get to the Atlantic Ocean. We ended up bypassing large stretchs of hwy for safety or to abide by the law. Still stepped into the Ocean with a little over 2200 miles. Not my goal, but all in all a reasonably successful ride. I still plan on picking up a few more bikeing miles on the way home.

Talked to many folks across the country about prostate cancer and PSA testing. Met a waitress in St. Louis whose father and uncle both had the desease. A valet in Atlantic City was grateful for my ride, because of his father having the problem. Almost everywhere we stayed our banners and our shirts elicited enquiries about the trip or the cause. I am happy to have been able to have had the opportunity to help get the word out. With early detection this desease can be successfully treated.

I have many friends and relatives to thank for thier support, both during my surgery/recovery, and with my cycling effort. It's a long list.
I will name just a few.

My SAG drivers my wife Shelli and Wayne.
My Father Bill for his support.
The staff at the Health Club at GSR, thanks Michele and Chuck.
My friends; Kevin, Mike, Joe, and Tom, all GSR gym buddies. And all my other friends at GSR that have been supportive.
My personal trainers, Grandson Chase and Granddaughter, Jobella, and thier mother Shannon.
Also my wife's cadre of friends Helen, Linda, Nanny, and Corbel who have been very supportive.

Once again Thank You all.

Wayne

Staying Alive.

Been riding and driving, trying to avoid dangerous conditions. Had some success in Indiana for a while as well as Ohio. But am driving more and cycling less. West of St Louis was more wide open, more room to navigate.
I have had to call "The Boss" to come and pick me up on several occasions, when the roads have been too narrow for "The Dude" and the "Big Rigs".