In the fight against cancer, support groups are here to help

By Dusty Allen

May 6, 2005 | Cancer, a topic that most try to avoid, has proven to be unavoidable. The thought brings feelings of heartache, and for some bad memories. Why do we try and hide from it? The fact is people are scared of it, and by avoiding it all together there is a feeling of safety.

There are many throughout the Cache Valley who either have cancer, know someone close to them who have it, or are now in remission. Bobbie Allen, a mother of four who just recently finished with chemotherapy, said, "People are scared of it. The thought of cancer brings thoughts of death, and death is scary."

There are many institutions that are doing research on cancer. One of them is the National Institute of Health. Ian Kendrick, a senior at the University of Utah studying biochemistry, worked at the NIH over the last few summers doing cancer research. When asked if he felt there would be a cure for cancer anytime soon he said, "Definitely not a cure. There are over 30,000 genes in our genome, and there are many different types of cancer. A cure may be a long reach from where we now stand, but the research on cancer treatments has improved dramatically. The NIH is trying to discover why cancer cells act the way they do, and their interaction with other cells."

Along with the research and studies being done there are many support groups for those who have cancer. Groups such as Breast Cancer Support Groups, Cancer Support Groups, Oncochat, Paintings by Anastasia.

Support groups help unify those who have cancer, and allows those who are suffering to relate with one another. Also to know that there are many cancer survivors helps with this. It has been proven to be good therapy. It is also good for family members who do not have cancer, but are also in need of emotional support. Many times it is those closest to those suffering from cancer that struggle the most.

Bud Harmon, whose wife died of breast cancer, said, "You have to stay positive. If you don't you have already given up. The doctor said to my wife that she needed to tell her family what was going on, because if she didn't he would. It is important for everyone to know what is going on in order for them to be able to help each other."

Logan Regional Hospital has come up with a site that was created to help people learn more about cancer. Logan Regional created this web site for both children and adults. Representatives of Logan Regional said, "Dealing with cancer is tough. That's why we created this web site, a place where you can learn about cancer and have fun with games and art." The valley is doing well in reaching out to those who are struggling with cancer.

Cancer treatments are continually getting better. Cancer is not just one disease, but a combination of many. In order to treat a person suffering with cancer it is important to understand what type of cancer it is, and which treatment would be best for that person.

Perhaps all we can do is learn how to prepare ourselves in case we ever are subject to such terminal illnesses. Whether it be a family member, friend or ourselves it is important to become aware of such groups, organizations and technology that are being used to help treat all of these different types of illnesses.

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