Talking about cancer isn't easy. Whether your newly diagnosed or have been a survivor for years sometimes you may just need to talk to people who understand what you are about to go through or have already been through.

Do you want to join a breast cancer support group but for some reason you're afraid to take that first step? Then breast cancer survivor Arvilla Bill wants to talk to you. "I think you take the first step and go to a meeting and once you're inside the door you'll be so welcomed."

Arvilla says that some people may think that this support group is only for women who have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Well that's not true, these resources can be taken advantage of by breast cancer survivors as well. "I've been a survivor 12 years last Valentines Day. "

Breast Health Educator Stacy Duir says that "We have women who are newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and we have women who are breast cancer survivors 5, 10, 20, 25 years out who come. It's wonderful because it's for all breast cancer survivors."

Husbands also come to these meetings. Margaret Tompkins says "He was there for me all the time.

Margaret's husband Pete thinks that some men are just as scared as their wives when a diagnosis of breast cancer hits. A support group where they can meet other men and women going through the same illness can really help. "It's very important to just say honey, I love you, I'm behind you, don't give up the ship, you're going to beat this thing."

And in addition to meeting other people going through breast cancer, there are also guest speakers that come in such as physicians, surgeons, and other resources are made available.

The Patty Berg Cancer Center sponsors a support group for anyone touched by breast cancer. They meet every 2nd Monday of the month and can be reached at 239-939-8518.