Booklet: What You Need to Know about Pancreatic Cancer

Support for Cancer Patients

Living with a serious disease is not easy. People with cancer and those who care about them face many problems and challenges. Coping with these problems is often easier when people have helpful information and support services. Several useful booklets, including Taking Time, are available from the Cancer Information Service.

Worries about tests, treatments, hospital stays, and medical bills are common. Doctors, nurses, and other members of the health care team can talk with patients and their families about treatment, managing daily activities, and other concerns. Meeting with a social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy also can be helpful to those who want to talk about their feelings or discuss their concerns.

Cancer patients and their families may want to know what the future holds. Sometimes they use statistics to try to predict what may happen. It is important to remember, however, that statistics are averages based on large numbers of patients. They cannot be used to predict what will happen to a particular patient because no two patients are alike; treatments and responses vary greatly. The doctor who takes care of the patient is in the best position to talk about the person's outlook (prognosis).

Friends and relatives can be very supportive. Also, many people find it helpful to discuss their concerns with others who have cancer. People with cancer often get together in support groups, where they can share what they have learned about coping with cancer and the effects of treatment. It is important to keep in mind, however, that each patient is different. Treatment 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 is 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 groups that provide emotional support or that help with rehabilitation, financial aid, transportation, or home care. For example, the American Cancer Society has many services for patients and their families. Local offices of the American Cancer Society are listed in the white pages of the telephone directory.

The Cancer Information Service also can supply information about pancreatic cancer and about programs and services for patients and their families. 

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