What is a cancer support group?

A cancer support group is one where its members share their feelings and experiences with others affected by cancer. Groups can be face to face, on-line or telephone.

• Who runs a support group?
• What do support groups offer?
• Why should I consider joining a cancer support group?
• How do I become a member?
• What kind of topics do groups discuss?
• Are all groups face to face?
• Is there a general support group in my area?
• Are there groups with members who have the same type of cancer as I have?
• Are there any groups that deal specifically with grief. loss and bereavement?

Who runs a support group?

Many support groups are facilitated by someone affected by cancer, these are referred to as ‘peer support groups.’ A facilitator is responsible for leading or coordinating the group. Some support groups involve someone with a professional background who can add particular skills and information to the valuable experience of someone affected by cancer. They might be the facilitator or co-facilitator, or be a guest speaker.

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What do support groups offer?

Support groups offer a confidential, supportive place to share experience, learn from and connect with, others affected by cancer.  Some groups have a special focus like breast cancer or for couples or for people who care about someone with a cancer diagnosis. Support groups offer practical and emotional support. Many support groups offer guest speakers on topics of interest, social outings and companionship.

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Why should I consider joining a cancer support group?

Joining a cancer support group can be a helpful option if, for example, you feel alone and unable to talk to those close to you.  If you are experiencing side effects from treatment, want information about latest treatment, tips about talking to health professionals, or to express frustrations, fears and anxieties. You may also want to share your own tips for the benefit of others.

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How do I become a member?

Most groups operate on an ‘open membership’ policy, so people come and go as they choose. Groups are usually open to anyone affected by cancer, but not all groups are equipped or choose to discuss all aspects of managing cancer for example contemplating death and dying. There are groups that do and it is important to discuss your needs with the local Cancer Support Coordinator so that your particular needs can be considered and where possible, met appropriately. Call Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 for your nearest coordinator.  If a particular support group will not meet your needs, there may be alternative options put forward for you to consider.

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What kind of topics do groups discuss?

• Coping with a cancer diagnosis and treatment
• Living with cancer and changes to every day life
• Tips and information from those who’ve been through the same thing
• Nutrition, exercise, complementary therapies and other strategies to sustain someone on their cancer journey
• Some groups have a special focus and/or discuss issues about facing death and bereavement.

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Are all groups face to face?

If you are someone who finds it difficult to leave the house, to share intimate feelings face to face, or are simply very unwell and need to conserve your energy but would value contact with others, there are alternative forms of support that could be helpful.

• Cancer Council Western Australia offers one to one counselling by phone and access to the expertise of people who staff the Helpline.

• Cancer Connections is an online peer support program that links people with cancer, their carers and families.  It provides a moderated discussion board, the ability to create your own profile, and to find others who share a similar cancer journey to yours. It also runs some interesting forums for different groups of cancer patients on topics that may interest you.  If you need some help to access this program please call the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.

• Telephone support groups enable you to participate in a support group over the phone rather than face-to-face.  Some telephone support groups are available to people with a cancer diagnosis and those who care about them. They are facilitated by appropriately qualified professionals. Arrangements can be made through Cancer Council Helpline to link you to a suitable group so there is no charge.  For assistance please call the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.

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Is there a general support group in my area?

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the information listed below. However, if you know of any services that have not been listed, or if the listing is no longer accurate, please call the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.

Inclusion of a service does not imply its endorsement by the Cancer Council.

Goldfields (Kalgoorlie, Esperance)

Great Southern (Albany)

Kimberley (Broome)

Metropolitan & Hills

Mid-West (Geraldton)

Peel

Pilbara-Karratha

South West

Wheatbelt

Goldfields

• Esperance Breast Cancer Support Group (CCWA)
  3rd Tuesday of the month as needed
  Kym Sullivan Ph: (08) 9071 0400
  
  
• Esperance Home Care - Carers' Support Group
  Informal gathering offering information, advocacy on available services and resources to help and support carers
  Ph: (08) 9083 1800
  
  
• Kalgoorlie Women's Cancer Support Group (CCWA)
  2nd & 4th Wednesday of month
  Esther Della-Valle Ph: (08) 9080 8200

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Great Southern

• Albany Cancer Support Group (CCWA)
  1st & 3rd Tuesday of month
  Anita Linnett Ph: (08) 9842 7536

• The Albany 'Young @  Heart' Women's Support Group (CCWA)
  2nd & 4th Mondays of the month
  Anita Linnett Ph: (08) 9842 7536

• Albany Prostate Cancer Support Group (PCFA)
Karen Barry Ph: (08) 9844 1812

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Kimberley

• Broome Indigenous Womens Breast Cancer Support Group
  Alternating Monday's and Wednesday's each month
  Raelene Ph: (08) 9194 1621

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Metropolitan & Hills

• PYNKS- Advanced Breast Cancer Support Group- Mounts Bay Hospital Marina Hayes (08) 9321 2354

• PYNKS- Early Breast Cancer Support Group- Mounts Bay Hospital Marina Hayes (08) 9321 2354

• "Our Community, Our Cancer" Derbarl Yerrigan and CCWA Indigenous Cancer Support Group. Contact Margarette or Dulcie Ph: (08) 9421 3888

• Amaroo Village Cancer Support Group- Gosnells Jane Warman (08) 9490 3899

• Ellenbrook Cancer Support Group
  Geoff Atkinson Ph: (08) 9296 8807
  
  
• Leukaemia Foundation
Nicki Barnetson Ph: (08) 6241 1020

• MelanomaWA Support Group
  Julie Terraci P: 08 9382 9445 or Clinton P: 0408 534 359

• James Crofts Hope Foundation Brain Tumour Cancer Support Group
  John Crofts Ph: 0428 247 319
  Email: info@jamescroftshopefoundation.org.au  

• Brain Tumour Association Western Australia
  
  Laura McDermott Ph: 0430 196 059

• Head and Neck Cancer Support Group (CCWA)
Call Cancer Council WA Helpline 13 11 20  

• Kalamunda Cancer Support Group (CCWA)
  2nd Tuesday of each month
  Julie Ryan Ph: (08) 6278 1048

• Mundaring Cancer Support Group (CCWA)
  2nd and 4th Wednesday
  Julie Ryan Ph: (08) 6278 1048
  
  
• Northern Suburbs (Kingsley) Support Group
  Gill Falconer Ph: (08) 9447 1071
   
• Familial Bowel Cancer Support Group
  Julie Duxbury Ph: (08) 9250 2429

• Balya Self Help and Wellness Support Group
  Every 3rd Monday of the month
  Dr Ivy Bullen Ph: (08) 9244 2909
  
  
• Kids Cancer Support Group
  1st Tuesday of the month
  Sue Bradbury Ph: (08) 9341 7310

• Western Suburbs Prostate Cancer Support Group located in Wembley (PCFA)
Roger Constable Ph: 0404 985 809 

•  Gosnells Prostate Cancer Support Group (PCFA) 
Allan Sudholz Ph: (08) 9398 9926                                                   

• Fremantle Prostate Cancer Support Group (PCFA)
Margaret Amm Ph: 0419 195 549

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Mid West

• Geraldton Younger Women & Cancer Support Group 
   Ph: (08) 9956 2408

• Geraldton Indigenous Women Breast Cancer Support Group
  Meets once every two months
  Pauline Ph: (08) 9964 2972 or Annie Ph: (08) 9956 0025

• Geraldton Prostate Cancer Support Group (PCFA)
Terry Koltasz Ph: (08) 9964 2525

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Peel

• Mandurah Bereavement Support Group (Solace)
  Alternate Tuesdays
  Shirley Phillips Ph: (08) 9359 3892

• Leukaemia Foundation Mandurah Support Group
Ph: (08) 6241 1024

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Pilbara

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South West

• Bunbury Cancer Support Group (CCWA) 3rd Wednesday of the month
Hayley Tuck: PH (08) 9791 1464

• Melanoma WA Bunbury Support Group
Julie Teraci: PH (08) 9382 9445

• Busselton Cancer Support Group (CCWA)
  2nd Thursday of month
  Yvonne Innes Ph: (08) 9751 2762
  
  
• Camp Quality- Bunbury
  For children and families affected by cancer.
  Brian Hovey Ph: 0419 915 917

•  Leukaemia Foundation Bunbury Cancer Support Group
Chris Jones Ph: 1800 620 420

• Busselton Prostate Cancer Support Group (PCFA)
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Wheatbelt

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Are there groups with members who have the same type of cancer as I have?

• Breast Cancer Care WA groups meet on a monthly basis, giving the opportunity for people to attend more than one group, if they feel the monthly contact is not enough.
• CanTeen - The Australian Organisation for Young People Living with Cancer. National support organisation for young people (aged 0-24) living with cancer. Proposed merger with Camp Quality.
• GAIN - Gynaecological Awareness Information Network
• Shenton Park - Head, Face & Neck Cancers (CCWA)
  2nd Monday of month (should the 2nd Monday fall on a public holidays, the groups meets the following Monday)
  Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20
• Kids Cancer Support Group
• Leukaemia Foundation patient support group is for people who have been diagnosed with a blood cancer or related blood disorder, their carers and partners.
• Melanoma WA provides a support group for melanoma patients and their families to come together and network. Contact: Julie on 9382 9445 or Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.
• Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia a statewide network of support groups for men and women who are affected by prostate cancer. Groups meet locally giving support during and after treatment.
• Ovarian Cancer Australia support group offering a sense of belonging, a chance to share stories, gain more information, and assist in coping with diagnosis and treatment.
  Patient Programs Officer 1300 660 334 or Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20

Are there any groups that deal specifically with grief, loss and bereavement?

• Solace Association provides grief support for those grieving over the death of their partner.  Contact Shirley Phillips (08) 9359 3892

• Grief Cancer Support Group - (Cottesloe)
  Last Wednesday of the month
  Contact (08) 9384 3544

• Whitford Church Community Care
  2nd and 4th Saturday of the month
  Contact (08) 9403 1800

• Rainbows Australia
  A peer mediated support group for grieving children and their families
  The Western Regional Director Ph: (08) 6221 3363

For more information about any of the support groups please contact the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.

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