Cancer challenges you and your loved ones in every way—physically and emotionally. This may be the most stressful experience you will ever have.

That’s why Sutter care centers have different types of free support groups: some exclusively for patients and others for family members and caregivers. Support groups can provide a safe, confidential place where you can share your concerns and learn new coping skills from others facing similar challenges. You are not alone. We are with you every step of the way.

How Support Groups Can Help

Our support groups can help you learn how to manage stress during treatment, heal emotionally and glean new insights and perspectives. Groups are facilitated by healthcare professionals who specialize in counseling people with cancer and their loved ones. The groups emphasize informality, openness, respect and humor.

During group sessions, participants:  

• Share information and provide support to each other.
• Discover and express feelings.
• Come to understand the effect cancer has on families and learn how to make a stressful time a bit easier for everyone.
• Examine life patterns and learn how to change those that are unhelpful.

Contact your nurse navigator or cancer center to find out more about our cancer support groups for patients and families.