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survivorship and patient services Survivors and caregivers: find support on the Cancer Survivors NetworkSM The holidays are a time for family gatherings and celebrations, a time to forget everyday worries. However, for people touched by cancer, there is no time off from the stresses of their diagnosis. The Cancer Survivors NetworkSM, a free service provided by the American Cancer Society, hopes to provide an outlet for these stresses during holiday seasons, as well as during the rest of the year. 
The Cancer Survivors NetworkSM is a secure online community designed specifically for cancer survivors and caregivers to meet and discuss issues that surround their treatment and everyday lives. It is a place that any survivor or caregiver can go regardless of their type of cancer, time availability, or interest level. Most importantly, it is a spot to go for comfort and support. When an individual is diagnosed with cancer, common reactions include shock, confusion, or fear. Some patients even feel that they are alone in the situation, regardless of how many family members and friends are supporting them, because they don't know anyone who has gone through a similar experience before. "They want to find someone they can connect with," Dana Haulotte, online community specialist for the American Cancer Society Cancer Survivors NetworkSM, said. "It can be very profound for someone to know that they have that option." One important aspect of the site is the importance placed on privacy. After signing up, a user has complete control over what they share; the only required information for registration is a valid e-mail address and a zip code, which is used for statistical information. This allows users to have as little or as much interaction with others as they choose. "Some people are very private, and don't want anyone to know that they have cancer," Haulotte said. "Others may want to share very personal and private things. Anonymity allows them to do that." Once in the site, a user can find information linked from the American Cancer Society's website (www.cancer.org), read the stories of other survivors, chat with other users, post to discussion boards, submit artwork, share books or other resources, and develop a personal page to tell their own cancer story. Some prerecorded content is available in Spanish and Chinese. Although there are other sites that allow cancer survivors to either post on discussion boards or chat with each other, there is no other site that offers the range of support that the Cancer Survivors NetworkSM provides. With all of the features that are available, the American Cancer Society hopes that each user will be able to find something of interest. "Even if people are hesitant, I encourage them to go and take a look at it," Haulotte said. "People usually find their niche." Survivors and caregivers, we encourage you to register on the Cancer Survivors NetworkSM during this holiday season. To register or to learn more, visit www.cancer.org/csn. | |
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