Prostate cancer support groups can (and should) serve a dual purpose: they should meet both the informational and psychosocial needs of the patients. Although attendees may be at a variety of points along the treatment continuum, they have identified common needs. Patients request information on prostate cancer: facts, treatment options and their side effects, and current research results. Quality-of-life issues, sexuality, self-care strategies, and coping with treatment side effects are prime areas of interest and concern. Many men are willing to discuss their feelings and fears in a peer-group setting. They can and do talk to each other about living with cancer and related issues. They advise, help, and support each other. The challenge for all health care providers is to reach the majority of patients with prostate cancer-those who are not attending groups and who might need the help and support that others can give them.
