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Medical Author:

Scott E Eggener, MD

Coauthor:

Steven C Campbell, MD, PhD

Medical Editor:

Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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Support Groups and Counseling

Living with cancer presents many new challenges for the patient and for their family and friends.

• Patients will probably have many worries about how the cancer will affect them and their ability to "live a normal life": to carry on their relationships, to continue in school or hold a job, and to participate in activities they enjoy.



• Many people feel anxious and depressed. Some people feel angry and resentful, while others feel helpless and defeated.

For most people with cancer, talking about their feelings and concerns helps.

• Friends and family members can be very supportive. They may be hesitant to offer support until they see how the person are coping. Patients should not wait for them to start any discussion about testicular cancer. If patients want to talk about their concerns, most individuals are urged to start the discussions with their family and friends.



• Some people don't want to "burden" their loved ones, or they prefer talking about their concerns with a more neutral professional. A social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy can be helpful to patients if they want to discuss their feelings and concerns about having cancer. Often, the urologist or oncologist is able to recommend or may recommend the patient to a cancer support group.



• Many people with cancer are helped profoundly by talking to other people who have cancer. Sharing concerns with others who have been through the same thing can be remarkably reassuring. Support groups of people with cancer may be available through the medical center where the patient is receiving their treatment. The American Cancer Society also has information about support groups all over the United States.