Introduction
Life-threatening illnesses such as cancer can plague family relations, community structure, and spiritual or religious beliefs; however these support groups can also positively affect the individual cancer patient. Upon being diagnoses, cancer patients commonly experience symptoms of fear, questioning “why me?”, a sense of helplessness and/or hopelessness, imminent possibility of death, challenges to core beliefs and/or assumptions, future uncertainty, changes in interpersonal dynamics and relationships, and of course, reactions to painful and invasive medical treatments (Lindop & Cannon, 2001; Denney, Aten, & Leavell, 2010). However, in the face of this adversity, there is also immense opportunity for personal growth and resultant Continue reading...