support groups

Groups at Cancer Support Community

Cancer Support Community believes that participation in a support group can be a meaningful part of the physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery from cancer, regardless of the stage or extent of illness, or whether you are a patient or a caregiver. The Patient Active Concept includes actions, attitudes, and behaviors that empower people with cancer to become partners with their health care team in making treatment decisions, and to be in charge of how they will live with cancer and hopefully recover. The Cancer Support Community support groups emphasize these concepts and provide a safe place of connection where people with cancer and their loved ones feel less alone. As people participate in learning and sharing, they also gather strength for their journey through cancer, affirming life and sustaining hope.

Research has suggested that Cancer Support Community support groups empower people to:

• Develop a new attitude toward the illness
• Make changes in their lives that they think are important
• Partner with their physician
• Access resources
• Make active choices in their recovery

What are the characteristics of a Cancer Support Community support group?

• People with any cancer diagnosis can join a group at any time. 
• Some people decide to join a group at the time of diagnosis or after treatment begins; others will join when treatment is finished and some will find a support group if their cancer recurs. 
• People with cancer meet separately from family and support persons who have their own group. 
• All groups are facilitated by licensed mental health professionals. 
• Groups are limited in size to 12-14 people. 
• Groups are committed.  You will meet at a scheduled time with the same group of people who become like an extended family 
• Group members can talk not only about cancer treatment issues but also about emotional concerns, life changes and living with uncertainty. 
• Information shared in all groups is confidential.

All groups are free of charge.

Support Group Schedule

Prior to attending a support group, individuals must speak with one of our program staff members.

• Bereavement Group
   A weekly group for peope who have experienced the recent death of a loved one from cancer. Offered in the spring and fall on Tuesday evenings. Meets every other Tuesday evening. 
• Family and Friends Group
  For family members or friends of an adult with cancer.  Meets every other Thursday.
• Participant Support Group
  For individuals diagnosed with cancer.  Meets every Thursday.

“Drop In” Groups

These monthly groups provide an opportunity for individuals with similar cancer diagnoses or life circumstances to discuss and exchange information.  These “drop in” meetings do not require a pre-registration.

Drop In Groups at Cancer SupportCommunity in Bedminster

• Advanced Breast Cancer Group
  Every other Wednesday: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
• Family and Friends Group
  4^th Wednesday at 7 pm
• Kidney Cancer Group
  1st Saturday of each month: 10 – 11:30 am
• Miracle Voice Club
  The Somerset County Miracle Voice Club is a laryngectomee club dedicated to helping, educating, and supporting laryngectomees, their families and/or caregivers.
  First Thursday of every month 1 – 2 pm
• Women’s Cancer Group 
  3rd Wednesday: 6:30 -8 pm

Off-Site Drop In Groups at Steeplechase Cancer Center, 30 Rehill Ave., Somerville

• Life After Cancer Group
  1st Tuesday: 6:30 – 8 pm
  For cancer survivors who have completed active treatment. We will talk about the many aspects of adjusting to the “new normal” of life after cancer.
• Men’s Cancer Group
  2^nd & 4^th Wednesdays: 6:30 – 8 pm
  For men currently dealing with issues relating to their cancer diagnosis.
• Multiple Myeloma Group
  1^st Wednesday of the month: 7 – 9 pm
  In partnership with The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF)

Please phone us at 908-658-5400 to be included in one or more of these groups.

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