Getting Pancreatic Cancer Support

Being diagnosed with any type of cancer is a frightening experience. Having pancreatic cancer can be particularly terrifying as a diagnosis often comes after the cancer has progressed into later stages.
 
Fortunately, patients can tap into a myriad of pancreatic cancer support systems that will help them cope with their illness. Pancreatic cancer support can help not only the patient, but the patient's family and friends.

Pancreatic Cancer Support: Information

Information and knowledge can help pancreatic cancer patients and those around them to understand the progress of this cancer, the treatments and the problems associated with pancreatic cancer.

Among the books available today that discuss pancreatic cancer are:
  • The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Pancreatic Cancer: A Revised and Updated Directory for the Internet Age by Icon Health Publications: Put together from a variety of research sources, this book includes references and Internet resources, in addition to the included information.

  • Pancreatic Cancer (American Cancer Society Atlas of Clinical Oncology) by John L. Cameron: This book includes information from experts in the fields of surgery, radiation and medicine to provide a comprehensive guide on understanding pancreatic cancer.

  • 100 Q&A about Pancreatic Cancer by Eileen O'Reilly: This book is an easy-to-read paperback that gives answers to common questions about pancreatic cancer from both a doctor's and patient's viewpoint.

If shorter articles are more to your liking, you can simply go to your favorite search engine online and type in "pancreatic cancer." You will find hundreds of articles related to pancreatic cancer, its diagnosis and its treatments.

Pancreatic Cancer Support Groups

Many people find support groups to be very helpful in dealing with cancer. Many agencies offer free information, references to pancreatic cancer support groups, resources about cancer in general and other important information that can help patients and their families.

The National Cancer Institute offers information about pancreatic cancer, including:

  • an online booklet about pancreatic cancer
  • cancer literature
  • clinical trials
  • support groups.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network provides free information for pancreatic cancer patients and their loved ones. PanCan also offers support through PanCan's Survivor and Caregiver Network. You can participate in educational meetings in person or over the telephone. PanCan will also direct you to support groups in your state.

The National Pancreas Organization sponsors an online support group for those who have pancreatic diseases. This organization also offers recipes, alternative therapies and an area just for kids.

The Cancer Hope Network matches patients and families with trained volunteers who have survived cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer Support

Besides support groups, there are many other resources to help you through this time. These resources include:
  • your doctor and medical professionals - you can never ask your medical caregivers too many questions
  • your community health network
  • your pastor, priest or rabbi.
Note that pancreatic cancer support groups offer assistance to patients' children as well. Your close family and friends may also need help with their fears and concerns. Contribute to the quality of your life and the lives of those around you by getting support now.
 
Resources

National Cancer Institute (n.d.). Pancreatic Cancer. Retrieved July 3, 2007, from the National Cancer Institute Web site: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/pancreatic.

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (n.d.). Support. Retrieved July 3, 2007, from the Pancreatic Action Network Web site: http://www.pancan.org/Patient/support.html.

Thecancer.info (n.d.).Welcome to the Cancer Information Network. Retrieved July 3, 2007, from The Cancer Info Web site: http://www.cancerlinksusa.com/pancreas/index.asp.

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (2007). Support Programs. Retrieved July 3, 2007, from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Web site: http://www.mdanderson.org/patients_public/support_programs/.