Support Groups and Programs
 

You may find that talking with a fellow cancer survivor will inspire you to keep moving forward. Through our professionally run Support Groups, you will meet other people who face a common enemy.

All support groups in the Cancer LifeNet program are free and facilitated by experienced healthcare professionals who strive to create a nurturing and safe environment for cancer survivors. Participants can share their feelings about their cancer experience and receive accurate, reliable, and relevant health information from reputable sources. For more information on these programs, call the Cancer LifeNet Helpline at 1-866-393-4355.

Support Groups Specific to Cancer Diagnosis
The following on-going support groups meet monthly to share resources and discuss medical information, experiences, and coping strategies for living with and beyond cancer.
 
  • Blood Cancer Support Group
    In partnership with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society this group is open to all adults and their family members affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and myelodysplastic syndrome. Meets the 1st Monday of every month
  • Breast Cancer Awareness Group
    Join us for an intelligent, comprehensive discussion about living with breast cancer and how this affects daily life. Meets the third Wednesday of every month
  • “Just 4 Me” Stage IV Breast Cancer Support Group
    This group is for those individuals living with Stage IV breast cancer. Please join us as we discuss a variety of topics that are important and challenging for those living with chronic disease in an environment that is safe and comfortable. Group meeting time varies. Please call to pre-register.
  • Man to Man: Prostate Cancer Support Group
    In partnership with the American Cancer Society This free education support forum for men and their spouses is a professionally facilitated group the meets monthly to share resources and discuss medical information, experiences, and coping strategies. Meets the 1st Wednesday of every month

Cancer Support Groups (All Types)
Open to individuals diagnosed with all types of cancer and their loved ones.
 
  • CLIMBTM Children's Lives Include Moments of Bravery
    Developed by the Children's National Treehouse Foundation, CLIMB is a free six-week support program that educates children who have a parent or grandparent with cancer to cope with their feelings and concerns. The program is offered periodically throughout the year. Click here for testimonials >
  • Family & Friends Support Group
    An on-going group that meets periodically throughout the year for individuals caring for loved ones with cancer. Topics addressed include: community and personal resources, nutrition, difficult symptoms, and caring for the caregiver. Call or check the on-line calendar for specific meeting times and dates.
  • General Cancer Support
    This group is open to individuals diagnosed with any type of cancer and their loved ones. Whether you are newly diagnosed, in treatment, remission, or having a recurrence, you are invited to share common experience and receive educational, information and support. Groups meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at UCMC, PPII and the 3rd Tuesday of every month at HMH.

American Cancer Society Programs
The following American Cancer Society programs are offered throughout the year.
 
  • Look Good, Feel Better
    A free American Cancer Society Program at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center. The program provides a hands-on group workshop dedicated to helping female cancer patients cope with and manage the appearance related side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
  • I Can Cope
    An educational program for people facing cancer – either personally, or as a friend or family caregiver. These classes help dispel cancer myths by presenting straightforward facts and answers to cancer-related questions.
  • Road to Recovery
    In coordination with the staff of Cancer LifeNet volunteer drivers are available to assist patients with transportation needs to and from cancer treatment.

Other Supportive Programs
 
  • CARES Exercise Program
    Regular moderate exercise can improve quality of life by preventing muscle wasting and promoting independence. The Cancer Activity and Rehabilitative Exercise for Survivors Program is designed for individuals currently being treated for cancer as well as individuals in remission and consists of individualized and group exercise classes and a one-on-one functional assessment.
  • Reiki & Healing Touch
    Reiki and Healing touch is a practice involving the placement of hands lightly on or just above the person receiving treatment with the goal of facilitating the person’s own healing response and promoting overall health and well-being. Free individual treatment sessions are available on a limited basis by appointment. Please call to schedule.
  • Tai Chi
    This “moving meditation” class is a wonderful way to manage stress and improve health and well-being. Class held weekly.
  • Yoga
    Learn to breath, relax, and be mindful in order to manage your stress, and improve your ability to cope on a daily basis. Please bring a towel or mat. Class held weekly.
  • “Back-to-Fit”
    This group is lead by an exercise physiologists who will provide expert guidance and teaching on how to exercise during and after cancer treatment and also incorporates gentle walking on local nature trails. Meets once per month.

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