People with cancer and their families face many challenges that leave them feeling overwhelmed, afraid and alone. Sometimes it may be difficult to cope with your family and friends.

Members of your treatment team know this is a very difficult time. Together with support groups they can help you feel less alone and can improve your ability to deal with the uncertainties and challenges that you will have to face.

Questions About Support Groups

How can a support group help?
People with cancer often need help to deal with the emotional as well as practical aspects of the disease. Cancer support groups provide a confidential place where you can discuss the things that are bothering you with people who feel the same way. Other survivors will offer advice about treatments or cancer care, such as managing the side effects of cancer treatment.

Can my family or friends come to support group meetings with me?
Your friends and family are worried about you right now. Support groups can help them learn about cancer, deal with the problems and disruptions to normal family life, and understand the financial worries that happen when someone has cancer. Some support groups are for the family and friends of cancer patients, while other groups encourage others to participate with the patient.

What kinds of groups are available?
There are several different groups to meet different needs. Some are for specific diseases, for example, breast cancer. Support groups vary in size, attitude, and how often they meet. You may need to visit several different ones until you find one where you are comfortable.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center-Based Support Groups

CanSurvive GYN Cancer Support Group
For ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancer patients.
Contact: Beth Hosmer, RN, OCN or JoLane Gable, RN, BSN; 205-975-9523
Meets the third Friday of each month at the American Cancer Society, 1100 Ireland Way, Birmingham, 12:00 noon.

Grief Support Group
For anyone who has lost a loved one.
Contact: Merna Fletcher; 205-934-1932
Meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at UAB Hospice, 1209 2nd Avenue, So., Birmingham. A light lunch is served and free parking is available in front of the building.

Head and Neck Cancer Support Group
Laryngectomee Support and Rehabilitation
Contact: Pat Sanders at pat@choralmusic.com or Nancy McColloch at 205-801-8460
Meets the first Thursday of each month at The Kirklin Clinic, 10:30 a.m.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Patient and Family Support Group
For patients and families living with a diagnosis of Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin's Disease or Multiple Myeloma.
Contact: Alma Delgrosso; 205-934-0337
Meets the fourth Tuesday of each month, American Red Cross, Birmingham, 12:00 noon.

New Beginning
For newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and their families.
Contact: 205-801-8266, option 3 on the menu for meeting times. Meets at The Kirklin Clinic, 2001 Sixth Avenue, So., Birmingham, in the Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic.

Orthopedic Oncology Support Group
For patients and their families with an orthopedic oncology diagnosis.
Contact: Michelle Gray; 205-975-0415
Meets the third Wednesday of each month, American Cancer Society, 1100 Ireland Way, Birmingham, 12:00 noon.

Radiation Oncology Support Group
Contact: Karen Shrout; 205-975-5628 for more information

US TOO
For prostate cancer patients and their families.
Contact: Doreen Perkins; 205-934-1464
Meets the third Tuesday of each month, American Cancer Society, 1100 Ireland Way, Birmingham, 11:30 a.m. A free lunch is served and free parking is available.

Community and Faith-Based Programs
For All Cancer Patients

Church at Brook Hills- Cancer Connection
Contact: Pam Turner, RN; 205-975-8190

First Baptist Church of Gardendale
Contact: Rebecca Sloan; 205-631-5952, Ext. 881

North Highlands Baptist Church Hueytown
Contact: Donna Whaley; 205-220-4189 or 205-621-2878

Riverchase United Methodist
Contact: Jim Robey; 205-987-4030

St. Luke's Episcopal Church
Contact: Barbara Vanderfgriff; 205-871-3583.

American Cancer Society Support Groups

Today Our Understanding of Cancer is Hope (TOUCH)
General Cancer Support Groups that offer hope and support for individuals and those affected by cancer.
Contact: American Cancer Society; 205-879-2242
Call ACS at the above number for locations and current meeting times in your area, as well as locations in other counties/states that are too numerous to list.