Writing About Cancer

A therapeutic writing course for cancer patients and survivors

A new class begins August 15, 2008, and ends October 10

Whether you are newly diagnosed, currently in treatment, or have been in remission for years, writing about the different aspects of your cancer experience can be therapeutic. Note: This course will not cure cancer and does not substitute for medical, psychological or other professional treatment or advice.

Writing About Cancer Online has returned to Writing to Heal, Writing to Grow^SM after several years' absence. In this course you will:

explore your feelings about issues that every cancer patients faces

have an opportunity to voluntarily share your writing and feelings with classmates on a private forum

receive information about studies of therapeutic cancer writing

Men and women with cancer turn to writing for many reasons. Here are just a few:

to organize your thoughts
to express your emotions
to identify what is important and what has changed
to speak in your own voice when doctors are telling you what to do
to claim yourself as a unique human being and not just a statistic
to identify loose ends and unfinished business
to come to terms with this major event in your life

In addition to helping you free up your emotions, writing about cancer can have medical benefits. Data show that when people write their deep thoughts and feelings about traumatic events, their heart rates slow, their bodies are better able to fight infection, and people feel a general sense of well-being. Studies show that expressive writing by cancer patients results in diminished symptoms and fewer doctor visits for many.

Eight weekly sessions begin August 15, 2008 and end October 10. Each session will arrive by email on a Friday. You have one week to write about the topics. The forum is open from the starting date until one week after the course ends.

Cost: $110.00

_SM	Writing About Cancer Online