Seek Support For Cancer

KYW's Medical Report Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Dealing with a diagnosis of cancer can be devastating. The word cancer conjures up images of death, but if the truth be known, there have been numerous advances in treatment of cancer in the past few decades and there is no doubt that a person given the diagnosis can be optimistic and has to be ready to fight back.

It is also important to turn to others for support. I can tell you first-hand that in basically all cases, there's nothing that makes patients feel better than realizing they're not alone through an illness, especially a life-threatening illness. It's important to know that there are other people who are survivors. When we look at them, we have to realize that they can be role models to help people assess their own comfort. They can look at these people and decide whether or not what they've done is right for them.

In other words, support and seeing other people; dealing with these things is important.