ZIO: A Self-Help-Friendly Organization
«Self-help creates a space of freedom»
As an official member of the “Selbsthilfefreundlichkeit” network, the ZIO is actively involved in the field of community-based self-help in Switzerland. In this way, it serves as a bridge between people affected by cancer and self-help groups in the canton of Zurich. According to PD Dr. med. Valeria Milani, who serves as the ZIO’s self-help coordinator, this service is still far too little known, even though it is an important complement to the professional care provided by healthcare specialists.
Ms. Milani, the ZIO has been designated «self-help-friendly»—what exactly does that mean?
This means that we view community-based self-help as an important contribution to patient-centered cancer care. We raise awareness and inform our patients about the services offered by our partner, Selbsthilfe Zürich, thereby building a bridge between people affected by cancer and topic-specific self-help groups. Unfortunately, these services remain largely unknown even among the medical community, even though they serve as an important complement to the professional care provided by us as specialists.
What can self-help groups achieve that isn't possible in a professional setting?
In self-help groups, people with similar experiences are among themselves, which allows for a different kind of exchange. Patients are often a bit intimidated by us as professionals, even if that’s not our intention. Self-help groups provide a safe space where people can open up and discuss topics they might not feel comfortable discussing with me as an oncologist.
What topics are we talking about here?
This varies from group to group, but it’s often not just about physical well-being—it’s also about mental health, emotions, or dealing with relationships. In many groups, participants don’t just talk to one another—they also do crafts together, enjoy wellness activities, or have coffee. This creates a supportive network where participants can find understanding and renewed confidence.
At what stages of a disease is this service particularly important, and why?
Our experience shows that patients who have already been through a lengthy course of treatment—and who may also be coping with a chronic form of their illness—are particularly responsive to self-help programs. Our nursing staff is trained to specifically discuss the possibility of self-help with patients. Ultimately, however, it is up to each individual to decide whether they wish to take advantage of this opportunity and share their experiences with others in similar situations.
PD Dr. med. Valeria Milani She is the Chief Oncologist at the ZIO in Zurich; she also works at the Breast Center Zurich at Zollikerberg Hospital and at the Bethanien Private Clinic in Zurich. A specialist in internal medicine, oncology, and hematology, she serves as the ZIO’s self-help coordinator.
