Support for People with Oral Cancer
Living with a serious disease such as oral cancer is not easy. You may worry
about caring for your family, keeping your job, or continuing daily activities.
You may have concerns about treatments and managing side effects, hospital
stays, and medical bills. Doctors, nurses, and other members of the health care
team can answer your questions about treatment, working, or other activities.
Meeting with a social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy can be helpful
if you want to talk about your feelings or discuss your concerns. Often, a
social worker can suggest resources for financial aid, transportation, home
care, or emotional support.
Support groups also can help. In these groups, patients or their family members
meet with other patients or their families to share what they have learned
about coping with the disease and the effects of treatment. Groups may offer
support in person, over the telephone, or on the Internet. You may want to talk
with a member of your health care team about finding a support group. The NCI's
fact sheets
"Cancer Support Groups: Questions and Answers" and "National
Organizations That Offer Services to People With Cancer and Their Families"
tell how to find a support group. See
"National Cancer Institute Information
Resources" for ordering information.
The Cancer Information Service can provide information to help patients and
their families locate programs, services, and publications.
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