A new support group for prostate cancer patients and families starts Wednesday, Oct. 7 in partnership with the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor.
mCancerPartner sat down recently with Ganesh Palapattu, M.D., to discuss a new support group for prostate cancer patients and families that is offered in partnership with the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor. Dr. Palapattu is a urologic cancer surgeon and scientist who is co-director of the Cancer Center’s Prostate Cancer program and the High Risk Prostate Cancer Clinic.
mCancerPartner: How can a support group like this benefit prostate cancer patients?
Dr. Palapattu: Support groups are very important for patients with cancer and the people who love them. They allow patients to know they are not alone and to have fellowship with other patients. Often times the burden of the disease goes far beyond what we see in the hospital and it affects multiple aspects of their lives. This support group allows prostate patients to meet and interact with others going through the same experiences. Think of it as a shared journey where men can learn from one another and help one another.
mCancerPartner: Is there a particular type of patient that this support group targets?
Dr. Palapattu: Any patient at any stage of the disease is welcome. People who attend, and that includes family members or loved ones, will find folks who are in a similar situation.
mCancerPartner: What kinds of health care professionals are involved in the support group?
Dr. Palapattu: Speakers are experts in the field across a variety of areas including surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pharmacy and social work, all of whom care for prostate cancer patients. So, for example, people who attend the meetings will have an opportunity to interact with health care professionals like social workers and mental health professionals who might be able to help them navigate the challenging times that a diagnosis of cancer can impart to them and their families. It’s also an opportunity to interact with medical professionals outside of their one-on-one patient encounters in a hospital or office, and learn what’s happening in the field and what advances are being made.
mCancerPartner: What else can patients expect to get out of the group?
Dr. Palapattu: Another vital component to many patients is that support groups allow them to give back to others, to help patients who have just been diagnosed and joined the group, or assist those who may not be doing so well. I think a drawing force for many is an opportunity to give back.
mCancerPartner: What kind of format does the support group follow?
Dr. Palapattu: There will be periodic scheduled presentations on topics of interest, followed by questions, not only to the presenter, but to each other. Of course there will be ample opportunities for attendees to interact with each other as well.
mCancerPartner: Why now for bringing this new support group to prostate cancer patients?
Dr. Palapattu: We believe that a key aspect of prostate cancer survivorship involves patient support. By initiating a prostate cancer support group in partnership with the Cancer Support Community, all patients – not just U-M patients – can join. The point is that the service is for patients; it’s not about the doctors who are taking care of them. We are grateful for the role the CSC is taking so the group can be open to all prostate cancer patients and their families who are looking for fellowship, knowledge about the disease, and a chance to give back to their brothers in arms who need help.
When: First Wednesday of the month beginning October 7, 6-7:30 pm.
Where: Cancer Support Community
2010 Hogback Rd. Suite 3 Ann Arbor, MI 48105
343 South Fifth Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Take the next step:
RSVP to 734-975-2500 or rosie@cancersupportannarbor
Learn more about comprehensive prostate cancer care at the Cancer Center’s Urologic Oncology Clinic.
Dr. Ganesh Palapattu
In the High Risk Prostate Clinic at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, our mission is to focus treatment and discovery on those who need it most. We do this by offering advanced cancer care, individual genetic analysis and precise treatment planning for men with high risk prostate cancer in order to optimize the probability of achieving a long lasting cure.
The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center’s 1,000 doctors, nurses, care givers and researchers are united by one thought: to deliver the highest quality, compassionate care while working to conquer cancer through innovation and collaboration. The center is among the top-ranked national cancer programs, and #1 in Michigan according to U.S. News & World Report. Our multidisciplinary clinics offer one-stop access to teams of specialists for personalized treatment plans, part of the ideal patient care experience. Patients also benefit through access to promising new cancer therapies.