What can self-help support groups offer clinicians?

The preliminary findings from a larger study recently reported by Finn and colleagues highlight some of the potential benefits associated with self-help support groups – particularly for Indigenous women living with cancer. These include emotional support, a sense of connectedness, practical assistance, as well as opportunities to relate to people who are on the same boat. These findings largely reflect those of previous research on self-help support groups that meet around cancer; however, the study contributes to the dearth of knowledge about consumer-based initiatives in Indigenous health.