Cancer Support Groups in Boston*

 

 

Massachusetts General Hospital

 

Brain Tumor Support Group

For brain tumor patients and their families

This group is organized by the Social Service Department. This is a support and psycho-educational group for brain tumor patients and their loved ones. The group meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month from 12:00-1:30PM in Yawkey 10650, except on holidays. There is no need to pre-register, and it is free and open to all. Lunch is served. Please contact Michele R. Lucas, LICSW at 617-726-1061

Lung Cancer Support Group

Drop-in support group for those living with lung cancer

This group is organized by the Social Service Department  A drop-in support group for all patients with lung cancer, also open to patients with other thoracic cancers (e.g., esophageal cancer, mesothelioma, thymoma). The group's purpose is to provide a place for patients to be supported as they cope with the demands of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Light refreshments and parking validation will be provided. The 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month, 1:00-2:30p.m. Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care, 10650. For more information, or to make a referral, please contact Oncology Social Worker Bob Drozek, LCSW, @ (617) 726-1045 or rdrozek@partners.org

 

Breast Cancer Support Group

Ongoing support group for individuals with breast cancer.

This group is organized by the Social Service Department. This group offers friendship and support for individuals dealing with breast cancer. Members give and receive hope and inspiration. The group meets weekly on Wednesdays from 12 to 1:30 PM. Lunch is provided. Please contact Catherine Carlo, LICSW at 617-724-3956

 

GI (gastrointestinal) Cancer Support Group

For Patients Diagnosed with colon, rectal, liver, stomach, or pancreatic cancers

This group is organized by the Social Service Department, in association with the HOPES program with support from The Friends of the MGH Cancer Center. This is a support group for patients with colon, rectal, liver, stomach, or pancreatic cancers. The group will meet on an on-going basis in the Cancer Resource Room on the first and third Friday of every month from 12:30 - 2:00 PM. Please contact Linda Bonell, MSW, LICSW at 617-726-2661

 

 

 

 

 

CNS Lymphoma Support Group

For MGH adult inpatient chemotherapy patients

This group is organized by the Social Service Department. This is an open, drop-in discussion oriented group for in-patients who come to MGH for methotrexate/chemo-therapy. This group is free of charge. Must be coming to MGH for in-patient chemo-therapy. Meets every Wednesday from 1:30 - 2:30 PM in the Ellison 12 conference room. Please contact Lisa Bezis, LCSW, for more information.

 

SPOHNC

Support for people with oral, head and neck cancers

This group is organized by the Network for Patients and Families. This is a free psycho-educational, drop-in support group for people with oral, head and neck cancers. It is open to all. Please contact Valerie Hope Goldstein at 617-731-1703 or Amy Corveleyn at 617-724-5258 for information about location and dates.

 

Pancreatic Cancer Support Group

Support group for patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer

This group is organized by the Social Service Department. A drop-in group for patients with pancreatic cancer. The group's purpose is to provide a place for patients to be supported as they cope with the demands of diagnosis and treatment. Light refreshments and parking validation is provided. This group is free of charge. There is no need to pre-register. Beginning in September 2007. The group will meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month from 3-4:30pm at the MGH Cancer Resource Room, Yawkey Center, 8th Floor. Please contact Stacy K. Chandler, LICSW at 617.724.5828 for more information.

 

Recently Diagnosed Prostate Cancer Support Group

For patients recently diagnosed with prostate cancer

This group is organized by the Social Service Department and The Department of Genitourinary Cancers This is a 6-week support group for patients recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. The group meets from 6:00-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings. This group runs twice per year in the fall and spring. Fall session begins October 3, 2006, continuing through November 7, 2006 and spring dates will be determined later. Light refreshments provided. Pre-registration is required. Please contact Marilyn Brier at 617-726-5841 for more information.

 

Prostate Cancer Support Group

For patients diagnosed with prostate cancer

This group is organized by the Social Service Department & the Department of Genitourinary Cancers. This is an ongoing support and educational group for patients with prostate cancer. The group will meet for six Tuesdays beginning April 10th and ending May 15th, from 6:00 - 7:30 PM. Light refreshments are served. Pre-registration is required. Please contact Marilyn Brier at 617-726-5841 for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

Prostate Cancer Support Group-Proton Beam Radiation

For patients with prostate cancer who are receiving proton beam radiation

This group is organized by the Social Service Department. This is an ongoing support and educational group for patients who are receiving proton beam radiation. This drop-in group meets on Tuesdays from 10:00 - 11:00 AM. Light refreshments are served. Please contact Marilyn Brier at 617-726-5841 for more information.

 

Young Adult Cancer Support Group

For individuals in their 20’s and 30’s

This group is organized by the Social Service Department. The Young Adult Cancer Support Group is a six week group for individuals in their 20s and 30s living with any cancer diagnosis. The goal of the group is to give and receive support around issues specific to young adults with cancer. Please contact Julie Berrett, LICSW, at 617-643-2355 or Amy Corveleyn, LCSW, at 617-724-5258 for more information.

 

Parents of Teens with Cancer

For parents of teenagers who are being treated for cancer

This group is organized by the Social Service Department. Parents of Teens with Cancer is a monthly program for parents to discuss concerns that are specific to those with a teen undergoing cancer treatment. Groups meets one Sunday per month from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM at MGH, Boston. This group coincides with the Teens with Cancer Group, however it is not necessary for the teen to be participating in the teen group. All parents are welcome. Pre-registration is required by contacting Elyse Levin-Russman, LICSW, at 617-724-0757.

 

Children and Cancer: A Program for Parents

For parents whose children are being treated for cancer

This group is organized by the Social Service Department. An educational and support program for parents whose children are being treated for cancer. Groups meet in the evenings at MGH, Boston. Topics will vary, and guest speakers are included. Some recent programs have included discussions about parenting, school re-entry after a cancer diagnosis, current topics in research, survivorship and complementary therapies. Pre-registration is required by contacting Elyse Levin-Russman, LICSW, at 617-724-0757. Light dinner and parking are included.

 

Superb Siblings

For siblings of children with cancer.

This group is organized by the Social Service Department. This is a monthly support program for school aged children (ages 8 - 12), who have a brother or sister with cancer. The group will meet once monthly on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6:00 PM at MGH, Boston. Pre-registration is required by contacting Elyse Levin-Russman, LICSW, at 617-724-0757.

 

 

 

 

 

Latina Women with Cancer

A spanish speaking group for women with cancer.

This group is organized by the Chelsea MGH Social Service Department. This is a weekly support group for Spanish speaking Latina women living with cancer. This group will provide a venue for women to share their experiences in a supportive environment. The group will meet on Thursdays from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM at MGH Chelsea, 151 Everett Avenue, 4th floor, Room 460. Please contact Sheila Jewett, LICSW, at 617-887-3518 for more information.

 

Group for Oncology Patient Caregivers

A support group for Family members and caregivers of cancer patients.

This group is organized by the MGH Social Service Department. It's a support group for all caregivers and family members of cancer patients. The group's purpose is to provide a space for caregivers to be supported as they care for a family member with cancer. A support group has been meeting twice each month since it’s origination in October. It has had a great response. Family members and caregivers of cancer patients are all welcomed. This group meets the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month from 3:00-4:00 pm at the MGH Cancer Resource Room, Yawkey Center, 8th Floor. Light refreshments and parking included. Please contact Amy Corveleyn, LSCW at 617.724.5258 for more information.

 

Note:

For additional cancer-specific support group information, an Oncology Resource Specialist at MGH can be reached at (617) 726-7664

 

 

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

 

Breast Cancer Support Group for Women Who Are Newly Diagnosed or in Treatment
Hester Hill, LICSW

(617) 667-2661

Support Groups for Women who have Completed Treatment for Breast Cancer
Hester Hill, LICSW

(617) 667-2661

Support Group for Women who have Metastatic Cancer
Hester Hill, LICSW

(617) 667-2661


Support Group for Women who have Gynecological Cancers
Hester Hill, LICSW

(617) 667-2661

Prostate Cancer Longwood Area Support Network
Stan Klein, Patient Coordinator

(617) 625-4875

Melanoma Family/Caregivers Support Group
meeting time coincides with Melanoma Patient Support Group at DFCI
sponsored by the Melanoma Foundation of New England
The last Thursday of each month, 5:30 -7:00
Shapiro CC, room 247
Frank McCaffrey, LICSW
(617) 667-3525

Boston Medical Center Support Groups

Women with Newly Diagnosed Cancer Support Group
2nd Monday each month; 10-11:30am
Renana Yanai-anter, MSW at 617-414-5445

Advanced Stage Breast Cancer Support Group
Last Wednesday each month, 3-4:30pm
Moakley 2nd Floor Conference Room
Joan Sully, NP at 617-638-2364; Amanda Wright, MSW at 617-414-5442

Prostate Cancer Support Group
3rd Tuesday each month; 6pm
Mark Yoder, NP at 617-638-2366; Contact: Linda Frattura at 617-638-4178

Colon Cancer Support Group
Last Wednesday each month; 5:30pm
Moakley 3rd Floor Conference Room
Lisa Stober, RN at 617-638-6519

Ovarian Cancer / Mind-Body Support Group
3rd Tuesday each month, 5:30pm
Moakley 3rd Floor Conference Room
Sandy Allten, RN at 617-638-6521; Kathleen Finn, NP at 617-638-8256


Head and Neck Cancer Support Group
1st Wednesday each month, 6-7:30pm
C/D Conference Room – 88 E. Newton Street
Facilitator: Jaime Riehle; Contact Linda Frattura at 617-638-4178

Support Group for Haitian Women
2nd Monday each month, 5:30pm
Moakley 3rd Floor Conference Room
Sandy Allten, RN at 617-638-6521

Support Group for Haitian Men
Time and place to be determined
Sandy Allten, RN at 617-638-6521

* Free of charge and all information dated as of 8/31/07 and isn’t a definitive list