Ask the Expert: Will joining a breast cancer support group help me with my healing journey?

Recovering from breast cancer is not just a physical journey but an emotional and mental one as well. For many, navigating this path can feel isolating, even with the support of family and friends. In such moments, joining a breast cancer support group can provide a unique space for connection, understanding, and healing.

Senior medical social worker Emily Goh, who leads the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Breast Cancer Support Group, explains how these sessions combine meaningful activities and heartfelt conversations to empower and uplift participants on their path to recovery.

“I have just recovered from breast cancer and my doctor suggested that I consider joining a support group. What can I expect from these sessions?”

At the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), our support group sessions cover a range of topics, including psychoeducational talks, facilitated activities, and sharing sessions. Healthcare professionals lead these talks to clarify what it’s like living with breast cancer. 

We focus on psychosocial needs, which are often neglected, by using creative activities to enhance well-being and encourage connection. For instance, the “Thread a Bead, Tell a Story” session prompts members to share their experiences through simple, meaningful activities, leaving many feeling more connected and encouraged.

At every session, we do a simple welcome and introduction for all new and existing participants, where we establish important ground rules such as confidentiality and respectful listening, and encourage participants to share what they are comfortable with. 

“I already have friends and family to confide in. Why would I still need to join a support group?”

While family and friends are essential in the cancer journey, they may not fully understand the impact of the disease. They also may not always know what to do or say to comfort the patient. Furthermore, patients sometimes refrain from sharing their worries to avoid burdening loved ones. 

Most support groups at NCCS are co-led by medical social workers (MSWs), clinical psychologists, and patients. One important role an MSW plays in a support group is to facilitate a safe space for members who may share similar experiences and challenges to connect with each other. We observe that many who are initially hesitant to join the support group continue to attend the sessions. Over time, they are also more willing to reach out for support, as they become more motivated, encouraged and empowered through the sharing of their stories and listening to the experiences of the other participants.

Opening up and reaching out to others can be hard as it can make one feel vulnerable. Many people think that they have to share their personal experiences when they join the support group but that is not true, as it is entirely up to the individual and they can choose to share anytime they are ready. 

A senior medical social worker with the National Cancer Centre Singapore since 2017, Emily Goh is the lead for its Breast Cancer Support Group, which was established in 2015.