Our Mission
The Pancreatic Cancer Alliance exists to support the efforts of the medical and research communities as well as patients and their loved ones in the battle against pancreatic cancer.
The list of support groups and resources was developed Laurel Watt of the Pancreatic Cancer Alliance.

Other information in this section was adapted from material developed by the National Cancer Institute.



Updated:
August 30, 2004

Support for people with pancreatic cancer

Living with a serious disease such as pancreatic cancer is not easy. Some people find they need help coping with the emotional and practical aspects of their disease. Support groups can help. In these groups, patients or their family members get together to share what they have learned about coping with their disease and the effects of treatment. Patients may want to talk with a member of their health care team about finding a support group.

People living with pancreatic cancer may worry about the future. They may worry about caring for themselves or their families, keeping their jobs, or continuing daily activities. Concerns about treatments and managing side effects, hospital stays, and medical bills are also common. Doctors, nurses, and other members of the health care team can answer questions about treatment, diet, working, or other matters. Meeting with a social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy can be helpful to those who want to talk about their feelings or discuss their concerns. Often, a social worker can suggest resources for financial aid, transportation, home care, emotional support, or other services.

Online support groups specifically for pancreatic cancer

Cancercare online support group for pancreatic cancer

www.cancercare.org

Click on "Cancer Care Services," then "Support Groups," then "Online Support Groups," and choose "Pancreatic Cancer Group" when registering

The Wellness Community online support group for pancreatic cancer

www.thewellnesscommunity.org

Click on "Online Support Groups," and choose "Pancreatic Cancer Group" when registering

Online chat/discussion rooms and email lists specifically for pancreatic cancer

The Pancreatic Cancer Support & Information eCommunity

http://listserv.acor.org/archives/pancreas-onc.html
ACOR.org, the Association of Online Cancer Resources, provides a number of support group email lists. The pancreatic cancer list — moderated by Mary Zapor, long-term survivor Don Sterner, and Kathryn Abernathy — is a deep resource of information on the challenges of the disease. A true community, caregivers on the list remain to help those newly diagnosed long after their battles have ended.

Johns Hopkins Pancreatic Cancer Chat Room

http://www.path.jhu.edu/pancreas/
Enter "Patient/Family Chat Room" and go to the "Discussion Board."

People Living with Cancer

http://discussion.plwc.org
Scroll to "Pancreatic Cancer"

Online Chat/Discussion Rooms: General Cancer

Cancercare Online Open Forum

www.cancercare.org
Click on Cancer Care Services, then Support Groups, then Open Forums

Site Hosted by the Association of Cancer Online Resources

www.oncochat.org

Other

For additional information on support services, call the American Cancer Society: 1-800-277-2345

 <<  Back to Continuing care   |   Next: Massachusetts groups >>


Section guide


Introduction: The pancreas

Understanding pancreatic cancer

Risk factors and symptoms

Genetic roots

Diagnosis and staging

Treatment options

Methods of treatment

Side effects of treatment

Continuing care
Pain control, nutrition, followup


>> Support for people with pancreatic cancer

Massachusetts support groups

Patient resources

 

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