Getting Involved: Things to Think About

"When I was diagnosed, it was a frightening, lonely time. Everything changed when I found others who were fighting the same disease. Once I had the information I needed and my situation was under control, I decided to help others."

—  Steve, myeloma survivor, 48

Cancer survivors and those who are close to them, as well as people who have lost someone to cancer, know what it is like to live with cancer. Getting involved in cancer-related activities is like a two-way street. When you help others, you also help yourself. Here are some benefits of getting involved in cancer-related activities:

• You accept cancer as part of your life. When you get involved, cancer can give a new meaning to your life. "Now that I am a cancer survivor, my life will go on, but it has changed. I need to make my cancer experience mean something," said one 42-year-old survivor.
• You are less afraid of cancer. People often find that the more they know about cancer, the less they fear it.
• You may feel more spiritual. As one survivor said, "I am fulfilling a promise that I made to God."
• You feel that you are doing something useful with your cancer experience. As one person said, "Getting involved is a powerful force in my life because I am doing something to make the world better."
• You have more confidence. People often feel better when they work with others toward a common goal. As one survivor said, "I'm not a victim anymore."
• You meet other people who share the same kind of experiences. "Only another survivor can tell how it is and sympathize with a person and offer support and advice," said a 36-year-old survivor.
• You make a difference in other people's lives. People can feel good when they make a difference in the lives of others.
• You teach others about cancer. This includes talking with people about what it means to have cancer as well helping someone through it. As a father who lost a child to leukemia said, "It is not just about me and my daughter. It is about all the moms and dads who have to go through this painful experience with their kids. We know what it is like to be afraid, feel guilty, and not know where to turn. I will keep on working for these kids and their parents to make sure that their needs are met."
• You find meaning in the face of a life-threatening illness. Research has shown that cancer survivors often find new meaning in their lives when they get involved. This can be an important part of the healing process. Research has also shown that people who feel a part of their community enjoy better health and feel a sense of purpose in their lives.

Getting Involved: Things to Think About

"My cancer treatment was years ago. At first, I wanted nothing to do with cancer. I wouldn't even read a magazine that had an article about cancer. Now, I am ready, and I want to do something with my cancer experience."

—  Frieda, uterine cancer survivor, 72

People with cancer, as well as those who love and care about them, may want to get involved in cancer-related activities. But it is important to ask, "Is this the right time to get involved?"

The answer to this question will be different for each person, since everyone has his or her own experience with cancer. As you decide if this is the right time for you, think about how long you've been dealing with cancer, your health, your feelings, and your comfort in talking about cancer.

Think About How Long You've Been Dealing with Cancer

• In treatment now, or recently finished with your cancer treatment. Some people find that getting involved helps them think about things other than cancer. Some even say that it makes their treatment seem easier. Other people find that treatment keeps them too busy or leaves them too tired to get involved.
• Living with advanced cancer. Some people living with advanced cancer feel that getting involved is a good way to care for the people they will leave behind. They want to make a difference and help others right up to the end of their lives. Think about how you feel, and decide if you have the health and strength to get involved now.
• At high risk for getting cancer. You may have a strong family history of cancer and may be at risk for getting the disease yourself. This can be hard to accept. Some people find that getting involved in cancer-related activities is a way to help themselves as well as others.
• A family member or friend of someone with cancer. You know what it is like to care for someone who has cancer. Getting involved in volunteer activities is a good way for some people to give and get the support they need, but it can also be hard. Think about whether getting involved in cancer-related activities is right for you.
• Someone who has lost a family member or friend to cancer. You may still be sad and grieving after someone you care about dies of cancer. Getting involved can be a way for many people to do something positive with these feelings.

Think About Your Health

Think about your own health needs before you decide to get involved. Decide if you have enough energy or time to start a new project. Some people want to wait until their health is better. Others choose an activity that is easy for them now.

Think About Your Feelings

People often think about their own experience when they get involved in a cancer-related activity. This is good for some people as it can help them deal with their own feelings. This can also be hard. Sometimes people become upset when they get involved in cancer-related activities.

Take some time to think about your feelings. If you are very worried, angry, or depressed right now, you might want to talk with a counselor about your feelings. Later, when you feel more positive, you can begin to think about ways to help others.

Think About Your Comfort in Talking About Cancer

You can still get involved in cancer-related activities, even if you do not want to talk about your own experience. If this is how you feel, find activities in which you do not have to share your personal feelings or thoughts.

Think About What You Can Give

Many people are very busy and don't have a lot of time to give to cancer-related activities, but there are still ways they can help others. For example, you can donate money, books, or clothing that other people need for their cancer care.

Think About Where You Live

Some people, especially those who live in rural areas, find that there are no cancer-related activities nearby. If this happens, you might have to think about other ways to get involved. You can, for example, start a new activity or travel to one that is far away. You might also want to get involved at a distance by phone, mail, or over the Internet.

Think About What You Like to Do with Your Time

Everyone has an interest or skill that can help others. As you decide how to get involved, think about your talents, interests, and lifestyle. This includes your culture, religion, and even your hobbies. You may also want to think about what you like and don't like, as well as subjects you want to learn more about.

What if "getting involved" is a constant reminder of how hard cancer is for me? Getting involved in cancer-related activities can remind you of your own experience. This can be good, as it may help you with your own issues while you help others with theirs. Getting involved can also be hard. If you find you are not ready right now, take the time you need to help yourself before you offer to help others.

—  Margaret, cervical cancer survivor, 42

Even if you're not sure about your skills or talents, Finding Ways You Can Make a Difference: A Guide can help you match your skills and experiences with cancer-related activities. Use the Guide to find the types of activities that interest and inspire you.

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