Healing Through Community – the Importance of Social Interactions in Cancer Care

Healing Through Community – the Importance of Social Interactions in Cancer Care

Belinda Paulicin, SAW, LCSW

Social isolation is a growing concern, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a condition that affects many people but is particularly prevalent among those diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers. Furthermore, social isolation can also lead to a lack of support for cancer patients, making it more difficult for them to cope with the disease and manage treatment.

Studies have shown that social isolation can potentially impact cancer outcomes negatively. For example, socially isolated patients have been found to have a higher risk of mortality, decreased quality of life, and increased psychological distress. This is because social isolation can lead to a lack of emotional support, reduced access to healthcare resources, and a decreased ability to cope with the stresses of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The good news is that interventions can help reduce social isolation and promote a sense of community and belonging. Gilda's Club South Florida aims to reduce social isolation among cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors. We have found that support groups and social activities can effectively reduce social isolation. No one has to feel alone during their cancer experience.  

Support groups provide an opportunity for cancer patients and their families to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. This can help reduce loneliness and isolation and increase emotional support and empowerment.  

Social events, such as our Wednesday night Community Dinners, Monday Morning Coffee and Conversation, Trivia nights, and other group activities, can also help reduce social isolation. These events allow our members to socialize and connect with others outside of a clinical setting and can help build genuine relationships and support networks.

I would especially like to highlight the weekly Wednesday night community dinners. The focus of this dinner is to build community while sharing a healthy and nutritious meal, but it goes so much further than that. Members share their stories and provide support to one another in a way that is meaningful.

Research has shown that patients who participate in support groups and social events report higher levels of social support, an improved quality of life, and decreased levels of depression and anxiety. In addition, these interventions have been associated with better treatment adherence, improved coping skills, and even increased survival rates.

If you are a cancer patient, I encourage you to explore the various support groups and social events available. Gilda's Club South Florida offers virtual and in-person support groups, educational workshops, and events that can provide a sense of community and support.

For those who want to support cancer patients, you can help by encouraging them to participate in these activities or even volunteering at Gilda's Club South Florida. If you are a business owner, or a group that has the talent to prepare nutritious meals for our community dinners, please reach out to one of our program team members. In addition, by creating opportunities for cancer patients and their families to connect and socialize, you can help to reduce feelings of isolation and promote a sense of belonging.

As a community of support, our mission is to ensure that our members have the support and resources they need. This can include connecting them with support groups, helping them stay in touch with loved ones, providing them with resources, and reducing barriers to care such as transportation to medical appointments. By addressing social isolation, we can help improve the lives of cancer patients and caregivers and ensure they receive the care they need.

In conclusion, social isolation is an important issue among cancer patients and caregivers, but at Gilda's Club South Florida, we can help reduce its impact. Support groups and social events are essential tools to promote social connectivity and decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation. If you or someone you care about has cancer, I encourage you to explore and take advantage of these options.

No one should have to face cancer alone.  

To receive more information about our programs and how to get involved, send an email to programs@gildasclubsouthflorida.org or call us at (954) 763-6776

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9574202/

Sender A., Friedrich M., Schmidt R., Geue K. (2020). Cancer-specific distress, supportive care needs and satisfaction with psychosocial care in young adult cancer survivors. Eur. J. Oncol. Nurs. 44:101708.

Kroenke C. H., Michael Y. L., Poole E. M., Kwan M. L., Nechuta S., Leas E., et al.. (2017). Postdiagnosis social networks and breast cancer mortality in the after breast cancer pooling project. Cancer 123, 1228–1237.

LaVeist T. A., Sellers R. M., Brown K. A., Nickerson K. J. (1997). Extreme social isolation, use of community-based senior support services, and mortality among African American elderly women. Am. J. Community Psychol. 25, 721–732.