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At this point virtually everyone is familiar with Facebook. It’s been estimated that around 1.56 billion people use Facebook every day. Facebook helps us connect with family members, friends, classmates, coworkers, and so on. We know Facebook is great at connecting you to people you know, but did you know that it can be used to connect you with support groups? The Prostate Cancer Foundation has a number of Facebook groups hosted within our Facebook site that can help you find the support you have been looking for.

Currently, the Prostate Cancer Foundation has eight differentiated groups that one can join, including:
Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancer – a group for newly diagnosed patients or members of their family if the patient has no Facebook page

Metastatic Prostate Cancer – a group for patients who have been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer

Prostate Cancer Survivors – this group is for five year survivors of prostate cancer

Caregivers – a group for family and friends who take care of men with prostate cancer

US Veterans – PCF does a lot of work with the Veterans Administration and we have a group dedicated just for prostate cancer patients

African American Men – in some communities, it can be hard to discuss prostate cancer openly, this is especially true in the African American community

Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Women – similar to the African American community, members of the GBT community can find it hard to find answers

Under 50 Diagnosis – being diagnosed under 50 can present issues that many over 50 may not understand

Active Surveillance –  a group for me that have chosen or directed by their doctor’s to follow a course of “watchful waiting”

Non-Surgical Treatments – this group focuses on non surgical treatments, but not dissuade discussion of them in the context of what patients have choses as the best treatment for them.

Prostate Cancer Family Survivors – a support group for those family members who have lost a man in their life to prostate cancer

You can be in any and all groups that apply to you. Find the group(s) you most identify with and join their community. We do ask you to answer three simple questions in order to keep out spammers, trolls, etc. Keep in mind that this list is ever-expanding, so if you don’t see something that resonates with you, tell us! These groups are for your benefit and for you to get the support you need.

Whether you have prostate cancer, or are a family member, friend, or caretaker of someone with prostate cancer, dealing with a cancer diagnosis can feel very isolating, and there is a lot of helplessness that comes with that diagnosis.
Remember that you are not alone. Getting support, and connecting with others that are in your situation can come as a huge relief and comfort to you. Support groups are an amazing way to help cope with cancer. Sharing personal stories, and hearing from others about their struggles can help you and your loved ones recover from the trauma of cancer, as well as foster a sense of community.

While support group meetings can be beneficial, it can be difficult to physically attend them regularly, while you’re juggling commitments to work, family, and cancer treatment. The great thing however, is that there are other ways to get a similar kind of support without leaving your house. The Prostate Cancer Foundation has tailor-made support groups on Facebook for patients and caregivers alike. You can join these groups and chat whenever you have the time, or need advice during any part of yours or your loved one’s cancer journey.

If you’re hesitant to share your stories with strangers, don’t fret. The Prostate Cancer Foundation’s groups are “closed groups.” This means that you and only those other members of the group can see what you’ve posted. Every member must apply, and the only people allowed in the groups are those who are verified patients or caregivers. It’s easy to apply and get started connecting to people like yourself, who understand you and what it’s like to be affected by prostate cancer.

You are more than your illness, and connecting with people who can relate to your experience is a great way to build a tight-knit community. Listening to the ways that others have dealt with their cancer can inform your decisions and point of view, and the more informed and connected you are, the better your decisions will be and the better you will feel.

Share your stories, and connect with others on our Facebook page. Support is just a few clicks away.