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Endometrial Cancer (cont.)

Support Groups and Counseling

Living with cancer presents many new challenges, both for the woman diagnosed with cancer and for her family and friends.

A woman will probably have many worries about how endometrial cancer will affect her and her ability to live a normal life (for example, to care for her family and home, to hold her job, to continue the friendships and activities she enjoys, and to sustain a loving relationship with her spouse or sexual partner).

Many people feel anxious and depressed. Some people feel angry and resentful; others feel helpless and defeated. For most people with cancer, talking about their feelings and concerns helps.

A woman's friends and family members can be very supportive, although they may be hesitant to offer support until they see how she is coping. If a woman wants to talk about her concerns, she should feel free to bring them up to her friends and family members.

Some people do not 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 if a woman wants to discuss her feelings and concerns about having endometrial cancer. A woman's gynecologist or oncologist should also be able to provide a recommendation.

Many people with cancer are helped profoundly by talking to other people who have cancer. Sharing the concerns with others who have been through the same thing can be remarkably reassuring. Support groups for people with cancer (and for their loved ones) may be available through the medical center where treatment is received. The American Cancer Society also has information about local support groups.

More information about support groups is provided in For More Information and Web Links.