Peer Support

When first diagnosed with breast cancer, I started going to support groups. And I was very appreciative of what I learned from the other women in them. I also found support in online communities which helped me even more. You go to your support group weekly but the online groups were available 24/7.I can ' t tell you how much I learned at my support groups that helped me understand my treatment protocol, what to ask my doctor, and more. The peer support was very different from what I learned from my doctor. In some ways it was less invasive but more personal than my oncologist and his team.Now a hospital is usinga peer support group to help promote communication across different groups and to help reduce differences in rates of screening and survival, particularly in Latina/Hispanic women as this hospital is in New Mexico.I think this is one of those ' doh ' moments that someone should have thought of sooner. There are many other peer support networks out there. But to have one at a hospital to help improve the physical and emotional health of those with breast cancer, is amazing.I hope many other hospitals try this type of activity for those with breast cancer or other ailments where there are disparities.
Source: Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog - Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: breast cancer bonds cancer support friends support group Source Type: blogs