No 'doom and gloom' in cancer support

The Cancer Society is appealing to people affected by brain tumours to join its Hamilton Brain Tumour Support Group.

The group offers support for people living with malignant or benign brain tumours, carers, family and friends.

Waikato/Bay of Plenty Cancer Society support services manager Graham Harbutt says it has traditionally been difficult to attract new members to the group. He says the society faces two hurdles: getting referrals through hospital channels and breaking down people's perceptions the group is "all doom and gloom".

Graham will meet later this year with Waikato Hospital's neurology and neurosurgical outpatient clinic staff to work out how to boost the number of people being referred to the group. "People often leave hospital not knowing their diagnosis so it makes sense that the neurology or oncology staff are the ones who are best to refer patients and their families to us, as opposed to the clinical staff on the neurosurgical ward."

Heather Major, a founding member of the group along with her late husband Glenn, says when people hear about the group their initial reaction is often that it will be a depressing experience so they are reluctant to attend. "It is an incredibly supportive and uplifting group of people on similar journeys who look out for and encourage one another.

"And it's important to note, there's no pressure to share. We learn a lot from listening. People have come along in the past unsure of what to expect and they leave saying they will be back next month."

Cancer Society liaison nurse and group facilitator Helena Stewart says the importance of emotional support and helping individuals and their families to cope with the impact of cancer is immense. "People are generally living longer with cancer these days so people are dealing with changes to so many aspects of their lives."

Helena says that means it's important for people to have strong support networks in place so they don't just survive, but thrive.

Waikato/Bay of Plenty Cancer Society runs several support and information groups. More information about these can be found on its website, www.cancernz.org.nz/divisions/waikato-bop/waikato - whatson

If you are interested in attending the Brain Tumour Support Group, phone Cancer Society liaison nurse Helena Stewart on 903-5809.