The importance of Peer Support

Cancer patients have access to an unprecedented array of information sources, support networks and other resources to guide us through the very complex maze of medical procedures and treatments. We have access to medical specialists such as: medical and radiation oncologists; gastroenterologists and neurologists. Through the Cancer Centre, we can make use of the Ninon Bourque library; consult nutritionists, social workers, and pain specialists; and attend exercise classes. Soon we will have the Maplesoft Wellspring Centre that will provide a myriad of these services under one roof.

So where does the role of peer support fit in? Peer support can take many forms. It can come via one-on-one support either in person, over the phone or via the internet. It can take the form of regularly scheduled meetings or internet discussion groups. Regardless of format and venue, these various forms of peer support all have one thing in common; they bring together cancer patients and/or their caregivers with cancer survivors.

During the early days of my diagnosis, my family doctor provided me with contact information for the local Colorectal Cancer support group. I took the info and promptly filed it away along with the rest of the pamphlets and books I received from the hospital and the Canadian Cancer Society. I was never a big follower of support groups and I failed to see how this time would be any different.

So, what changed my mind?

When I was discharged from the hospital after my colon resection surgery, I was sent home with some basic aftercare information. After about a week of colon ‘non-performance’ and increasing discomfort, I was starting to worry that something was seriously wrong with my newly rearranged insides. I spent several days chasing down my surgeon and my gastroenterologist. Neither one was able to help me. I didn’t know where else to turn, so I dug up the phone number my doctor gave me and I called Sandra. Sandra heads the Ottawa chapter of the Colorectal Cancer support group. I think I spent well over an hour speaking with her that first time. Sandra asked a lot of questions in order to help figure out what my problems were, and while she had no magic solution to my problem, she assured me that what I was experiencing was normal and gave me a few things to try. She invited me to attend the next meeting at which I could have the benefit of speaking to others with similar experiences. I braved the minus 30 temperature that January evening and attended my first meeting. That was two years ago, and I’ve missed only a few meetings since.

So what does peer support provide that doctors or family cannot?

Peer support may well be the only venue a cancer patient has whereby s/he can be totally free to express his or her feelings. Cancer patients often feel that they must put on a brave face and be positive in front of family and friends. Topics such as bowel performance, hospice, palliative care and death are often taboo in a family setting.
Doctors and nurses with their heavy case-loads do not have the luxury of spending much time with each patient. Unless they have also gone through the cancer experience themselves, they may not always have the answers to certain questions or concerns.
By virtue of bringing together survivors and patients, there can be an exchange of ideas and information based on those personal experiences that are unique to those living with cancer, and that is a good thing!