Massachusetts support groups for people with cancer

UMass Gastrointestinal Cancer Support Group for patients and their friends and family.

Members of the group share information about issues related to gastrointestinal cancers, which include colorectal, esophageal, gastric and pancreatic cancers.
Date: the second Monday of each month,
Time: 5pm to 6 pm
Location: UMass University Campus, 55 Lake Ave North, Worcester Ambulatory Care Center (building attached to the visitor parking garage) Fourth Floor Conference Room.
Contact: Mary Sullivan, DNP - 508-334-5274

General Oncology Support Group

Where: UMass Memorial Medical Center, Memorial Campus, Levine Cancer Center, Second Floor, Conference Room A-B, 33 Kendall St., Worcester
When: First and third Monday of each month, 6:30-8 pm
Contact: Diane Hollis, 508.334. 6518
Open to: Cancer patients, friends and family
Fee Free
Notes: Call Diane before coming the first time

The Path to Healing

Where: Hope Lodge (American Cancer Society), 7 Oak St., Worcester
When: First Thursday of each month, 6-8 pm
Contact: Main Number: 508.792.2985 ext. 0
Open to: All cancer patients and survivors
Fee Free
Notes: Next group in October 2004. Please call ahead to register.

Cancer Survivors Support Group

Where: Harrington Memorial Hospital, 100 South St, Southbridge
When: Second Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8 pm
Contact: Main Number: 508.765.9771 ext. 2570
Open to: Cancer patients and survivors, friends and family
Fee Free
Notes: Call ahead to confirm group meeting

The Well Spouse Foundation

Where: Varies
When: Varies
Contact: At home page choose "Join a Support Group" on the left side menu — www.wellspouse.org, main numbers: 800.838.0879, 732.577.8899
Open to: Wives, husbands, partners
Fee Varies
Notes: Peer support on a one to-one basis via local contact is Free. See website or call main number for local groups. May be a small annual fee for group membership.

Recent diagnosis; All cancers; Families and friends; Exploring spirituality; Coming to terms; Men with cancer; What now? When treatment ends

Where: Cancer House of Hope Inc., 86 Court St. Westfield
When: Varies by group
Contact: 413.562.0110, Westfield; 413.782.5500, Springfieldinfo@cancerhouseofhope.org, www.cancerhouseofhope.org
Open to: Varies by group
Fee Free
Notes: Relaxation groups are also offered

Support Group General Cancer

Where: Heywood Hospital, Medical Office Building Room, 242 Green St., Gardner
When: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-8 pm
Contact: Paula D'Entremont, 978.632.5491
Open to: Cancer patients and survivors, friends and family
Fee Free
Notes: Call before attending first meeting

Support Group General Cancer

Where: Athol Memorial Hospital, 2033 Main St., Athol
When: First Thursday of the month, 7:30-8 pm
Contact: Bonnie Frank Hume, 978.249.5600 ext. 207
Open to: Cancer patients and survivors, friends and family
Fee Free
Notes: Please call ahead — dates, times change occasionally due to guest speakers