CANCER CAN BE a terrifying disease and patients often feel overwhelmed and alone when they are first diagnosed with it. Fortunately there are a variety of resources and self-support groups in Hong Kong.
Wong Kam-fung, who runs the Centre, said helping Hong Kong's numerous support groups was one of its major functions.
'Only people who have faced similar problems can understand patients' feelings. We could never do what they do. Through helping others the volunteers gain a sense of achievement, which helps them recover too.
'Some patients are so depressed after the diagnosis that they can hardly leave home. When that happens they worry too much and often feel very lonely.
'But being in a group and talking to other sufferers helps them transform their experience into positive energy. It diverts their attention and allows them to rediscover the beauty of life.'