Support Groups & Hotlines

Support Groups

Support groups can be a valuable place for patients to talk through their cancer journey, experiences, and fears with others traveling similar paths. For some patients, it can be extremely helpful to tap into the emotional support provided by a community of people who intimately understand the trials of cancer.

Psychology, mental health and support with a woman in counseling for help with depression and anxiety with a psychologist she can trust. Communication, community and counselor with a sad patient

Members of a support group can suggest strategies for how to navigate the cancer journey, provide recommendations about how to communicate with health care professionals, family members, and friends, and share tips on how to get through the day-to-day difficulties of cancer treatment. There are support groups for patients, as well as those for caregivers and family members. These groups exist both in-person and online. Here is a list of a few support groups, but social workers, therapists, treatment centers, or local faith groups may also be great avenues for support.

Bright Spot Network

Join Bright Spot Network for tangible support as a cancer survivor and young parent. Benefit from family-focused retreats, children’s therapy resources and connect with other families.

Virtual Support Groups from the Bright Spot Network

2nd Thursday of each month @ 1:30 PM ET

This support group is a safe landing place for parents whose partner died of cancer. If your partner died recently, or years ago, and you are parenting a child through your grief, this is a group for you. Find connections and support from other parents who can relate to your experience.

2nd Monday of the month @ 1:30 PM ET
4th Saturday of the month @ 4 PM ET

1st and 3rd Thursday of the month @ 1:30 PM

3rd Monday of the month @ 1:30 PM ET

2nd Sunday of the month @ 4 PM ET

4th Tuesday of the month @ 1:30 PM ET

Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Chronicles

Dive into the Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Chronicles this April! CancerCare’s vibrant 4-part workshop series celebrates AYA Cancer Awareness week with lively discussions on unique topics. Led by expert oncology social workers and featuring the brave stories of AYA clients, it’s a free, nationwide event offering insight and support to those navigating the AYA cancer journey.

Wednesday, April 3, 2024
6:00–7:30 PM ET

Wednesday, April 10, 2024
6:00–7:30 PM ET

Wednesday, April 17, 2024
6:00–7:30 PM ET

Wednesday, April 24, 2024
6:00–7:30 PM ET

Sign up to attend any of these workshops!

American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the ACS has 12 chartered Divisions, more than 900 local offices nationwide, and a presence in more than 5,100 communities.

Cancer Support Community
Formerly known as “Gilda’s Club,” the Cancer Support Community offers a nationwide network of cancer support groups and online support.

LIVESTRONG.org – Get Help
Livestrong’s mission takes on cancer support services, community programs and institutional changes in order to improve the loves of cancer survivors and their loved ones.

Mesothelioma.net
Mesothelioma.net is one of the web’s leading resources for information on mesothelioma and asbestos related illnesses. For over 20 years they have been providing support to families and their loved ones who struggle with mesothelioma.

OneVillage
Join OneVillage for 24×7 concierge support, expert coaching and a caring community. Personalize your patient and caregiver journey today!

Web Whispers
Web Whispers was started in 1996 for those who had questions about larynx cancer treatments, surgery, recovery and what life is like after laryngectomy surgery. They are the largest support group for individual laryngectomees and survivors of larynx and other throat cancers.

Forum of people

Forums

Cancer patients and caregivers often find it valuable to interact with other people who have similar experiences. One simple way to achieve these interactions is through an online forum. While forums can be extremely helpful, it is important to remember that cancer treatments are handled differently depending on the individual needs of each patient.

The following forums may be a good place to start. However, keep in mind that there may also be in-person resources such as support groups within the community, which can also be a great resource to explore.

American Cancer Society – Head and Neck Cancer

HealthBoards – Health Message Boards

Oral Cancer Support

Hotlines

Hotlines can be useful for when patients and/or caregivers wish to speak with someone about non-emergency, cancer-related questions outside of normal doctor’s office hours.

apps smartphone - square format

Questions regarding specifics of treatment or upcoming visits should always be directed to the patient’s care team.

American Cancer Society(800) 227-2345

National Cancer Institute(800) 422-6237

CancerCare(800) 813-4673
CancerCare provides free, professional support for anyone affected by cancer. You can speak to an oncology social worker, connect to support groups (online, over the phone, or in person), learn from leading oncology experts, read about cancer-related topics, and find financial help and resources.

Cancer Hope Network(877) 467-3638
The Cancer Hope Network (CHN) is a national, non-profit support organization, which offers free, 1-on-1 emotional support to adult cancer patients and their families. The support is provided via telephone by 400 trained volunteers who have been through a similar experience, have recovered, and are once again leading productive lives. By giving recently diagnosed patients the gift of hope, the CHN helps them to successfully cope with their cancer and its treatment.

The 4th Angel Mentoring Program (866) 520-3197
In 2012, the THANC Foundation partnered with The Scott Hamilton CARES initiative at the Cleveland Clinic and its 4th Angel Mentoring Program, which offers free, one-on-one, confidential outreach and support from someone who has walked the path of a head and neck or thyroid patient.

CanCare(713) 364-1652support@cancare.org
CanCare offers one-on-one support for cancer patients and their families. The organization’s 600+ volunteers are all cancer survivors looking to make a difference in the lives of current patients and caregivers. They offer both emotional support and resource information.