• Anxiety and depression are common in people diagnosed with endometrial cancer. Support groups can help you connect with others with the condition who may have experiences and coping tips to share.
• Your friends and family can help you with your cancer care, daily tasks, and emotional support.
• Talk to your doctor about treatments that can help with anxiety and depression.

Having cancer is among the most stressful experiences in many people’s lives. Getting help from support groups, your loved ones, and your cancer care team is key for your sense of well-being during diagnosis, treatment, and beyond.

If you’ve been diagnosed with endometrial cancer — also known as uterine cancer — you have likely had moments of fear, confusion, and feeling overwhelmed. But you’re not alone. Read on to learn more about how loved ones and other resources can support you as you cope with endometrial cancer.

Support Groups

Support groups bring people together who have shared experiences with endometrial cancer. They can provide an understanding and the chance to learn from others who have been in the same situation as you. An endometrial cancer support group is for anyone with endometrial cancer and loved ones of those affected by the disease.

Even if you have a strong support system of friends and family, you may find it comforting to connect with people who are currently experiencing or have experienced a similar diagnosis. Support groups can also empower you with information and help you learn more about endometrial cancer and its treatment. Other survivors may be able to share strategies on how to deal with symptoms of endometrial cancer or medication side effects. Some support groups can help you sort out practical problems, such as problems with work, school, or child care.

Types of Support Groups

Support groups can support you in different ways. Some of the types of support groups include:

• Peer-led groups — Led by their own members (may also be called self-help groups)
• Professional-led groups — Led by a trained professional (such as a social worker, psychologist, or therapist) who can guide the conversation
• Informational support groups — Cancer-related education and information provided by a professional facilitator

Support groups can also cater to specific groups of people, such as:

• People with any type of cancer
• People with a specific type of cancer or a specific stage of cancer
• People in a certain age group
• Loved ones or caregivers of people with cancer

How Can I Find a Support Group?

You can find support groups that meet in person or online. You may be able to find in-person support groups from different sources, including:

• Local hospitals
• Cancer care centers
• Community centers
• Social workers
• Other cancer patients

The American Cancer Society also has a 24/7 cancer helpline and resources to connect you to resources and other cancer survivors in your area. You can call the helpline at 800-227-2345 or schedule a video chat.

Before you attend an in-person meeting, you may want to talk to someone in the group to find out what happens at the meetings to see if you’ll feel comfortable. Additional information you may want to ask about a support group includes:

• Who is this group for?
• What are the meetings like?
• What is the main purpose of the meeting?

You can find online support groups on many different platforms. Many national cancer organizations and advocacy groups have message boards where you can post or reply to discussion topics. You can also check any social media platforms you already use for dedicated groups or pages for people with endometrial cancer.

Support From Loved Ones

A cancer diagnosis can be difficult for you and the people who care about you. It might be hard for your loved ones to know how best to support you. Everyone has a different experience, so it can be helpful to communicate clearly about what you need from those around you. The support you need from those closest to you (such as a spouse) may look different than that from your friends or family.

Help With Your Cancer Care

A loved one may become your cancer caregiver while you go through treatment for endometrial cancer. A cancer caregiver is the person who helps you most often and is not paid. They may be a spouse, partner, family member, or close friend.

Your cancer caregiver can be part of your cancer care team in a number of ways, including:

• Going to doctors’ appointments with you
• Accompanying you to chemotherapy appointments
• Giving you medications
• Helping you manage side effects
• Helping you communicate with your doctors
• Keeping track of medical tests

Help With Daily Tasks

While you’re going through cancer treatment, it might be difficult to complete some of the things you were able to do before your cancer diagnosis. Creating a list of chores and errands you could use help with can make it easier for others to know how to help you.

Some tasks you might consider adding to the list include:

• Shopping for groceries
• Preparing meals
• Picking up prescriptions from the pharmacy
• Doing laundry
• Cleaning the house
• Taking care of children
• Mowing the lawn
• Going to the post office
• Driving you to and from doctors’ appointments or chemotherapy appointments

Emotional Support

One of the most important things your loved ones can do for you is to provide emotional support. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends and family to visit you, if you want company. Even long-distance conversations by phone, video chat, or text can give you support. It’s OK if you’re not always up for talking — sometimes you may ask your loved ones to just spend time with you.

Friends and family can also help you to take your mind off things for a while with fun activities like watching a movie together or going for a walk. Exercise has been found to significantly improve mental and physical health in people living with cancer. Finding a physical activity you can do regularly with a friend or loved one can help in many ways.

Mental Health Care

If you feel like you’re struggling with your mental health after being diagnosed with endometrial cancer, you’re not alone. One study found that up to 16 percent of people diagnosed with early-stage endometrial cancer experience anxiety or depression around the time of their diagnosis and treatment.

If you experience symptoms of anxiety or depression, talk to your doctor about your treatment options. Let your doctor know if you’re experiencing symptoms such as:

• Often feeling nervous or on edge
• Being unable to control worrying
• Feeling down, hopeless, or depressed
• Having little interest in things that usually bring you joy

If you’re struggling with mental health, your doctor may recommend options like medication or provide a referral to another health care professional such as a counselor.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyEndometrialCancerCenter, people with endometrial cancer and their loved ones come together to gain a new understanding of the condition and share their stories with others who understand

Are you living with endometrial cancer? Have you found resources or support that helps you better cope with endometrial cancer? Share your experiences in the comments below.