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Support Groups
Support groups provide a time and space for patients and family members to discuss feelings, concerns and attitudes in a caring atmosphere. Attendees of these groups are able to share their journeys, thoughts, concerns in supportive environment. The groups are facilitated by professionally trained social workers and other members of your support care team.
Specific types of support groups available at MD Anderson Cancer Center and within our surrounding communities include: cancer type, age, location, caregiver/support system and languages.
If you are unable to attend a support group while at MD Anderson Cancer Center, please contact your social worker to assist in finding a support group in or near your community or one that is available on a digital platform. Social workers are also able to provide additional materials for support.
Call Social Work at 713-792-6195 for more information about any of the support groups listed below.
*These programs are open to those in the community as well as MD Anderson patients and familes.
A cancer support group is a safe place to share your experiences and connect with others facing the same challenges. It gives you the space to connect with others dealing with cancer, talk openly about your feelings, receive practical advice, share resources and contacts, better understand and be able to describe your experience and develop coping skills.
Studies have shown that support groups can reduce isolation, anxiety and stress. They can also improve mood, self-image and the ability to cope.
With all of these benefits, you’d think that attending a cancer support group would be a no-brainer. But some people find the idea a little intimidating. And that’s totally normal. It can be nerve-wracking to put yourself in new situations, introduce yourself to new people and especially to face experiences you haven’t been able to process yet.
Decide what you’re looking for in a cancer support group
To get the most out of a cancer support group, it’s important to find the right one for you. Here are a few questions to answer before attending one:
- What type of support are you looking for? Some support groups are more social in nature. Their purpose is to connect people with shared experiences in a casual environment. Other support groups are more talk-therapy based, and focus on helping group members process their experiences.
- Who are you wanting to get support from? Some support groups are geared towards patients and/or caregivers dealing with a specific diagnosis, while others are open to all diagnoses. There are also support groups that are for both patients and caregivers, patients only, caregivers only, young adults, kids of patients and patients with metastatic cancer.
- What setting works best for you? Many hospitals and cities offer in-person support groups, but not all of them do. If meeting in person isn’t an option for you, consider an online group. Those may be in the form of a message board, a chat room or even a phone app. You may even consider joining myCancerConnection , MD Anderson’s one-on-one support program for patients and caregivers.
- If you are being treated away from home, what location are you most likely to attend a group in? If you spend most of your time at home, it might be best to find a group close to where you live. If you spend most of your time in Houston or another city for treatment, it might be more convenient to find a group close to that city or hospital.
How to find a support group
Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, here are a few ways to find a cancer support group:
- Ask your social work counselor. All MD Anderson patients have an assigned social work counselor who can help with all sorts of things, including selecting a support group. In fact, we social work counselors facilitate many of our support groups. If you’ve never met with your MD Anderson social work counselor before, ask someone on your care team to put you in touch.
- Go online. You can find a list of cancer support groups on MD Anderson’s website, or use the American Cancer Society’s online search tool to find programs and services in your area.
- Ask around. Sometimes other patients and caregivers can be especially helpful when it comes to finding support groups and other valuable resources.
Be open-minded
Before you attend your first --- or even second or third – cancer support group session, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Get the scoop from the facilitator. If possible, contact the group facilitator in advance to ask any questions and get a better understanding of how group works. Knowing what to expect will help you feel more comfortable and prepared.
- Attend the same group at least three times. Every group is different and every group meeting is different, so go to the group at least three times before you decide it isn’t a good fit. You might be surprised at how the group grows on you over time.
- Keep an open mind. The other group members may be different from you, and sometimes that’s actually a really good thing. The group may really need your perspective, experience, knowledge, etc. and you could really benefit from theirs. Everyone is unique and has a unique contribution.
- Don’t be afraid to try again. If the first group isn’t a good fit for you, try another one! Every group is so different, so it’s important to keep trying until you find one that provides the support and comfort you seek.
Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or by calling 1-877-632-6789.
| Group | Topic | Time | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Advanced Cancer |
This group offers psychosocial support to patients with any type of metastatic cancer and their caregivers. | 1st Wednesday of the month Noon-1 p.m. |
MD Anderson League City | Traci Newsom, LCSW 713-563-0679 |
| Alcoholics Anonymous at MD Anderson |
This group is open to any MD Anderson patient, caregiver or employee. | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 12:15-1:15 p.m. |
Mays Clinic ACB4.2680 ("Medical Center Group" sign on door) |
For more information call 713-745-6901 |
| Cancer180 | This program provides a social environment where young adult patients, survivors, caregivers, family and friends in their 20s and 30s can find resources and information specific to their needs and to help them connect with other young adults affected by cancer. |
Support is offered though social outings and educational activities. | For more information, call 713-792-2553 or visit web page. | |
| Cancer is a Family Illness Discussion Group | An open group providing an opportunity for caregivers and loved ones of patients at MD Anderson. Group is designed to facilitate sharing of experiences, reinforce healthy coping techniques, and learn healthy coping strategies. Light refreshments and resources provided. | Call for dates Noon-1 p.m. |
Mays Clinic Integrative Medicine Center (ACB2.1049) |
Carmella Wygant, LCSW 713-563-6666 |
| Candlelighters Parent Support Group |
Candlelighters is an organization supporting families of children diagnosed with cancer. MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital is assigned two consultants who are parents of cancer survivors, who provide educational, emotional and practical support to our families. | Wednesdays 11:30 a.m. |
Pediatric inpatient floor (9th floor, elevator F) Family room near the Rainforest Unit |
For more information, call 713-606-5471 |
| *Care 4 Caregivers Support Group |
This is an open support group for caregivers to help enhance their coping skills, improve their well-being and connect them to others who serve in a caregiving role. | Tuesdays 12:30-1:30 p.m. |
Jesse H. Jones Rotary House International Patient Guest Relations Area |
Tiffany Meyer, LCSW 713-794-1151 |
*Care 4 Caregivers |
An open support group for caregivers to help enhance coping skills, improve well-being and connect them to others who serve in a caregiving role. |
1st Thursday 3:30-4:30 p.m. |
Ballard House 21421 Cinco Park Rd., Katy, TX 77450 | Melanie Cavazos, LCSW 281-646-2292 |
*Care 4 Caregivers |
An open support group for caregivers to help enhance coping skills, improve well-being and connect them to others who serve in a caregiving role. Currently on hold - will resume in February of 2020. |
2nd & 4th Wednesday 10-11 a.m. |
MD Anderson The Woodlands - Salus Wellness Center, 3rd Floor |
Shelby Becka, LCSW 936-446-5119 |
Caregiver Connection |
This is a six-week long group where caregivers connect to other caregivers and learn techniques to manage stress and enhance coping skills. Registration is required. |
(call for dates) 12-1 p.m. |
MD Anderson in Sugar Land 1st floor Conference Room (SLTC 1.1091A) |
Dawnica Mathis-Huff, LCSW 281-566-1954 |
Care 4 Caregivers Support Group |
An open support group for caregivers to help enhance coping skills, improve well-being and connect them to others who serve in a caregiving role. |
1st & 3rd Wednesday 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. |
MD Anderson League City LCC2.1101 A&B |
Emily Hyland Juarez, LCSW
|
| Caregivers and Families of the Acute Palliative Care Unit |
This support group focuses on the needs and issues specific to caregivers. Resources can be shared and connections facilitated between other caregivers on the palliative care unit. |
Wednesdays 1:30-2:30 p.m. |
G12 Family Conference Room (G12.3328, just past the framed bicycle) |
Rochelle Herskowits, LMSW 713-792-8976 |
Caregivers Support Group for G12
|
This support group focuses on the needs and issues specific to caregivers. Resources can be shared and connections facilitated between other caregivers on G12 | 3rd Monday of the month 2-3pm |
G12 Conference Room | Amber Lane, LMSW 713-792-7630 |
| *Circle of Hope Bereavement Support Group |
This is a six-week long, Life After Loss group series developed by the American Cancer Society for adults who have experienced the death of a loved one within the past two years. Registration is required. |
Call for meeting dates/times. | Mays Clinic | Call 713-792-6195 for pre-registration. |
| *CLIMB® (Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery) and Teen CLIMB® |
CLIMB is a six-week long support program for children and teens, ages 6-12 and 13-17, whose parents have cancer. A concurrent parent group is also held during the program. Visit our CLIMB page for more information. Registration is required. |
Call for meeting times/dates. | Call for locations | Shelby Becka, LCSW 936-446-5119 |
| *Common Grounds: A Patient Support Group | A support group for any patient impacted by cancer that would like to connect with others for mutual support. | 1st Thursday 3:30-4:30 p.m. |
Ballard House 21421 Cinco Park Rd., Katy, TX 77450 | Heather Valladarez, LCSW 281-646-2915 |
| Coping with Breast Reconstruction & Surgery: A psychoeducational group |
A bi-monthly psychoeducational group for patients, family members and caregivers to provide information to help you better cope as you are undergoing treatment. Light refreshments will be provided and parking will be validated. | 2nd Tuesday & 3rd Wednesday 12:00pm to 1:00pm |
Mays Clinica: ACB5.1281ab | Arewa Banjoko, LCSW 713-563-5052 katherine Hurst, LMSW 713-792-0767 |
| Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer Support Group |
This group offers support to uterine cancer patients, survivors, families and caregivers. Light refreshments will be served. | 2nd Wednesday of the month Noon-1 p.m. |
Mays Clinic Integrative Medicine Center |
Sarah Stone, LCSW 713-745-2456 |
Gynecological Cancer |
This group offers support to gynecological cancer patients and their caregivers. | 3rd Monday of the month 6-7 p.m. |
MD Anderson West Houston 1st floor conference room |
Kerry Buicko, APRN 281-646-4367 |
*Head & Neck Cancer |
Provides education and emotional support to head and neck cancer patients and caregivers. | 2nd Tuesday of the month 5-6:30 p.m. |
MD Anderson League City |
Traci Newsom, LCSW 713-563-0679 |
Learn and Support Group: Gastrointestinal-Colorectal Center
|
This educational series aims to provide patients and caregivers with information and tools toempower them in their care and decision making, to identify pertinent resources to improve. Lunch & parking validation offered to first 20 attendees. 2020 Schedule | 2nd Wednesday of the month Noon-1 p.m. |
Main Building, G10.3315 (elevator F to floor 10) | Mark Anderson, LCSW 713-745-6823 |
Living with Cancer Series: A Patient Support Group |
A group providing education and support to patients through their cancer journey. | 2nd Wednesday of the month 2-3 p.m. |
MD Anderson in Sugar Land 1st floor Conference Room (SLTC 1.1091A) |
Kendolyn Shankle, LCSW 281-566-1920 |
| MD Anderson BEST: Brain Tumor Education & Support Together |
This group offers support and education to patients diagnosed with brain tumors. There will be a guest speaker followed by discussion/support group for patients, family and friends. Lunch and parking validation will be provided. Online participation is available for select meetings (contact facilitator) 2020 Schedule | 2nd Tuesday of the month
Noon-1:30 p.m. |
Brain & Spine Center Conference Room (R7.1617) |
Amy Bragman, LCSW 713-563-7728 |
| *Melanoma Patients & Caregivers Support Group |
Offers education and support to patients of the Melanoma and Skin Cancer clinic and their caregivers. Guest speakers and/or topics will be followed by discussion and support for those in attendance. Lunch is provided. Group is currently on hold. |
4th Wednesday of the month 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. |
Melanoma and Skin Clinic Conference (9th floor, Elevator C, R9.2184). Please check in with receptionist upon arrival. | Alan Nguyen, LCSW 713-563-7723 |
| *Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group |
This group offers psychosocial support to patients with metastatic breast cancer. | 1st Wednesday of the month 11 a.m.- Noon |
Mays Clinic (ACB8.2680ab) |
Mary Dev, LCSW 713-563-9440 |
| Ovarian Cancer Support Group |
2nd Wednesday of the month 6-7:30 p.m. |
Mays Clinic Integrative Medicine Center |
Alycia Hughes, LMSW 713-745-4730 |
|
| Rays of Light: A Radiation Support Group | This support group offers education through presentations on topics relevant to those in pre, post and in active radiation treatments. Each topic will be followed by a group discussion for both patients and caregivers. Light refreshments will be offered. | 3rd Friday of the month from noon – 1:30 p.m. | Radiation Clinic G2.5213, near elevator G on the 2nd Floor |
Meleeta Watson, LMSW 713-563-3055 |
| Prostate Cancer Active Surveillance Support Group |
This group offers support and educational information primarily to patients enrolled in the Prostate Cancer Active Awareness Surveillance Protocol and their caregivers, along with all those interested in Prostate Cancer. | 4th Thursday of the month 10:30 a.m.- Noon |
Mays Clinc Integrative Medicine Center |
Jeri Kim, M.D. 713-792-2830 |
Stem Cell Transplant |
This support group focuses on the needs and issues specific to caregivers. Resources can be shared and connections facilitated between other caregivers for stem cell transplant patients. |
2nd & 4th Thursday of the month 2-3pm |
Stem Cell Transplant floor (17th floor, elevator F) Quiet Room near the elevator |
Paige Kotlarich, LCSW 713-794-1832 |
| *Well-Wives: For Any Woman Whose Husband Has Cancer |
This is an opportunity to share some of the concerns and feelings you and your loved ones may have about your family member’s cancer and its impact on your lives. This group is for female family members when the male is the cancer patient. |
Thursdays 4 p.m. |
Jesse H. Jones Rotary House International |
Lindsay Marlof, MDiv 713-792-7184 |
| *Young Adult Support Group |
This group is for cancer patients ages 18 to 39 and their caregivers. It is open to patients at all stages of the cancer experience and we welcome patients treated at other hospitals. Come eat, meet other young adults, and talk about topics that are relevant to you. Young Adult Support Group Flier | 2nd Thursday of the month 6-7:30 p.m. |
Dan's House of Hope 4917 Jackson St. |
Wendy Griffith, LCSW 713-792-9948 |
Community Oncology Support Groups
| Group | Topic | Time | Location | Facilitators |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The American Cancer Society | Offers I Can Cope (a series of educational classes for people facing cancer) and Dialogue (support groups to help you deal with the challenge of cancer). | For more information, call 1-800-ACS-2345. | ||
| Bo’s Place | Bo’s place is an organization for grieving children and their families that offers a variety of support groups free of charge. | Weekdays, evening | For more information, call 713-942-8339. | |
Breast Friends Cancer Support Group |
Offers support for women of all ages with breast cancer. |
2nd Tuesday of the month 6:30-8 p.m. |
MD Anderson in Sugar Land 1st floor conference room |
Lilian Sweeney 713-456-6711 |
Breast Friends Cancer Support Group |
Offers support for women of all ages with breast cancer. |
2nd Tuesday of the month 6-8 p.m. |
MD Anderson West Houston 2nd floor, classroom B |
Monica Cerda-Juarez 281-646-4371 |
Breast Friends Cancer Support Group |
Offers support for women of all ages with breast cancer. |
2nd Wednesday of the month (except December) 6-8 p.m. |
MD Anderson The Woodlands | Pamela Schlembach, M.D., 713-563-0050 |
| Cancer Care Inc. | Online and telephone support groups. | For more information, call 1-800-813-HOPE or visit www.cancercare.org. | ||
Clear Lake Connection- General Family Support Group for Cancer Patients and Caregivers |
The group is open to all patients with any cancer diagnosis and caregivers. | 1st Tuesday of the month 6:30-7:30 p.m. |
UTMB League City Campus |
Cheron Hillmon ckhillmo@utmb.edu 832-505-1917 |
| Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Multiple Myeloma Support Group | Talk with other people affected by blood cancers, including patients, family members and caregivers. Groups provide mutual support and offer the opportunity to discuss anxieties and concerns with others who share the same experiences. Coffee and refreshments will be served. | 3rd Saturday of the month 10-11:30 a.m. |
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral 3511 Yoakum Houston TX 77006 |
Marie Curry 713-965-0940 |
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Patient Family Education and Support Group
|
Open to any cancer diagnosis and caregivers. | 1st Tuesday of the month 7 p.m. |
MD Anderson League City | For more information, call the LLS Texas Gulf Coast 713-680-8088. |
| Support Group for Cancer Patients | We invite cancer patients who are in treatment to find a safe place to find hope during a time of change and challenge. | 1st Wednesday of the month 3:30 p.m. |
4131 S. Braeswood Blvd. Houston TX 77025 |
Michael Rose 713-667-9336 x115 mrose@jfshouston.org |