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Cancer Support Groups: Questions and Answers 

People diagnosed with cancer and their families face many challenges that may leave them 

feeling overwhelmed, afraid, and alone. It can be difficult to cope with these challenges or to 

talk to even the most supportive family members and friends. Often, support groups can help 

people affected by cancer feel less alone and can improve their ability to deal with the 

uncertainties and challenges that cancer brings. Support groups give people who are affected by 

similar diseases an opportunity to meet and discuss ways to cope with the illness. 

1. How can support groups help? 

People who have been diagnosed with cancer sometimes find they need assistance coping 

with the emotional as well as the practical aspects of their disease. In fact, attention to 

the emotional burden of cancer is sometimes part of a patient’s treatment plan. Cancer 

support groups are designed to provide a confidential atmosphere where cancer patients 

or cancer survivors can discuss the challenges that accompany the illness with others who 

may have experienced the same challenges. For example, people gather to discuss the 

emotional needs created by cancer, to exchange information about their 

disease—including practical problems such as managing side effects or returning to work 

after treatment—and to share their feelings. Support groups have helped thousands of 

people cope with these and similar situations. 

2. Can family members and friends participate in support groups? 

Family and friends are affected when cancer touches someone they love, and they may 

need help in dealing with stresses such as family disruptions, financial worries, and 

changing roles within relationships. To help meet these needs, some support groups are 

designed just for family members of people diagnosed with cancer; other groups 

encourage families and friends to participate along with the cancer patient or cancer 

survivor.

3. How can people find support groups?

Many organizations offer support groups for people diagnosed with cancer and their 

family members or friends. The NCI fact sheet National Organizations That Offer 

Services to People With Cancer and Their Families lists many cancer-concerned 
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organizations that can provide information about support groups. This fact sheet is 

available at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/support/organizations on the 

Internet, or can be ordered from the Cancer Information Service at 

1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237). Some of these organizations provide 

information on their Web sites about contacting support groups. 

Doctors, nurses, or hospital social workers who work with cancer patients may also have 

information about support groups, such as their location, size, type, and how often they 

meet. Most hospitals have social services departments that provide information about 

cancer support programs. Additionally, many newspapers carry a special health 

supplement containing information about where to find support groups. 

4. What types of support groups are available? 

Several kinds of support groups are available to meet the individual needs of people at all 

stages of cancer treatment, from diagnosis through followup care. Some groups are 

general cancer support groups, while more specialized groups may be for teens or young 

adults, for family members, or for people affected by a particular disease. Support 

groups may be led by a professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or social 

worker, or by cancer patients or survivors. In addition, support groups can vary in 

approach, size, and how often they meet. Many groups are free, but some require a fee 

(people can contact their health insurance company to find out whether their plan will 

cover the cost). It is important for people to find an atmosphere that is comfortable and 

meets their individual needs. 

# # # 

Sources of National Cancer Institute Information

Cancer Information Service

 Toll-free: 1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237) 

 TTY (for deaf and hard of hearing callers): 1–800–332–8615 

NCI Online 

Internet

Use http://cancer.gov to reach the NCI’s Web site. 

LiveHelp 

Cancer Information Specialists offer online assistance through the LiveHelp link on the 

NCI’s Web site. 

This fact sheet was reviewed on 2/25/02