Millions of women across the globe are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women each year, with nearly three million new cases confirmed every 12 months.
Those figures are undoubtedly daunting, but they also tell a different story of perseverance and survival that can comfort women who have recently received a breast cancer diagnosis. According to the WCRF, in 2020 there were 7.8 million women worldwide who had lived for at least five years after their breast cancer diagnosis. Indeed, survival rates for breast cancer have improved dramatically in recent decades. Women often overcome the disease on account of their own personal resilience, but also by drawing on the experiences of others for inspiration and strength, namely through support groups. Women recently diagnosed with breast cancer may be surprised to learn just how beneficial support groups can be.
• Support groups can help women overcome the mental challenges of a diagnosis. A 2019 study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology examined the effectiveness of support groups for women with breast cancer and their caregivers. The study found that participation in a support group can help to reduce feelings of depression, anxiety and more while also making women more capable of adapting to their situation.
• Support group participation during treatment can have a lasting effect. A longitudinal study published in the journal Psychooncology in 2014 found that social support of breast cancer patients was positively predictive of better physical and mental health-related quality of life at threeyear follow-up appointments for breast cancer patients. That means the benefits of joining a breast cancer support group are not only evident during treatment, but endure long after treatment as well.
• Support groups can be informative on multiple levels. Breastcancer.org notes that participation in a support group can teach women diagnosed with the disease how to become better advocates for themselves. That’s a notable benefit, as women confronting the mental health side effects of cancer treatment, including depression and anxiety, may feel as though they lack agency. In addition, by listening to others in a support group, women can identify new resources for understanding their disease and treatment plan.
Support groups can be invaluable for women diagnosed with breast cancer. Women can speak with their cancer care team to learn about local support groups.
