ABSTRACT
The efficacy of support groups for breast cancer patients was among the things that drew me (Ann Goelitz) to social work. At the time, it was thought that these groups were so healing that they could even extend the lives of participants. Later studies invalidated these particular findings, but groups continue to be well known for the support they offer cancer patients and other trauma survivors. Groups may not extend the lives of breast cancer patients, but they do help them heal in other ways (Hudson, 2002).
