What You Need to Know about Esophageal Cancer

Support for Cancer Patients

Living with a serious disease isn't easy. Cancer patients and those who care about them face many problems and challenges. Finding the strength to cope with these difficulties is easier when people have helpful information and support services.

The doctor can explain the disease and give advice about treatment, working, or daily activities. If patients want to discuss concerns about the future, family relationships, and finances, it also may help to talk with a nurse, social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy.

Friends and relatives who have had personal experiences with cancer can be very supportive. Also, it helps many patients to meet and talk with others who are facing problems like theirs. Cancer patients often get together in self-help and support groups, where they can share what they have learned about cancer and its treatment and about coping with the disease. It's important to keep in mind, however, that each cancer patient is different. So treatments and ways of dealing with cancer that work for one person may not be right for another--even if they both have the same kind of cancer. It's always a good idea to discuss the advice of friends and family members with the doctor.

Often, a social worker at the hospital or clinic can suggest local and national groups that can help with emotional support, financial aid, transportation, or home care. The American Cancer Society is one such group. This nonprofit organization has many services for patients and their families. Local offices of the American Cancer Society are listed in the white pages of the telephone book.

Information about other programs and services is available through the Cancer Information Service. The toll-free number is 1-800-4-CANCER.

The public library is a good place to find books and articles on living with cancer. Cancer patients and their families and friends can also find helpful suggestions in the booklet Taking Time.

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