Support Groups
When you have cancer, there's a lot to cope with. Talking with family or friends or with your health care team can help. But many people say there's nothing like speaking with other people who have cancer. That's because they've really been there. And that's where support groups come in.
Support groups have helped countless people cope with the demands of having cancer. They provide a confidential place where you can:
- Share your feelings
- Talk about your experience
- Give advice to others (like how you manage your side effects)
Where to find support groups
There are also many national organizations that provide services to people with cancer and their families. Many of these organizations can refer you to a local chapter for more information.
Below are some places to start your search:
American Cancer Society*
Cancer information services, community programs, and research and advocacy resources.
Visit www.cancer.org or call 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345).
American Gastroenterological Association*
Medical information website about digestive system diseases, including colorectal cancer.
Visit www.gastro.org/patient
Colon Cancer Alliance*
Telephone helpline, online support community, and survivor buddy program. A network of caregiver support groups is also available.
Visit www.ccalliance.org or call 1-877-422-2030.
Cancer.net*
Web resource providing timely, oncologist-approved information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology to help patients and families make informed health care decisions.
Visit www.cancer.net or call 1-888-651-3038.
National Cancer Institute*
The NCI is a component of the National Institutes of Health in the Department of Health and Human Services and provides current information about cancer and clinical trials as well as resources.
Visit www.cancer.gov or call 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
NCCN creates clinical practice guidelines for use by patients, clinicians, and other health care decision-makers with the goal of improving the quality of oncology practice.
Visit www.nccn.org or call 1-215-690-0300.
- *
- Genentech USA, Inc. is neither affiliated with nor endorses this organization. The information provided by Genentech USA, Inc. or this organization is meant for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace a physician's medical advice.
