Support Groups    

There are two general kinds of support groups available; support groups led by health professionals, and self help groups which are run by people who have cancer. Some groups offer support, some education, some are for patients alone, some for family members and some for both. Some are less traditional and may focus on alternative techniques such as visualization relaxation and/or meditation. All offer encouragement, information, strategies for coping and potentially a wonderful place to form friendships with others who may understand what you are going through. Though help is available, it can come to you only at your request and with your consent. Many people suffer needlessly because they are afraid to ask for the help they need. It is wise to discuss any of your needs frankly with a healthcare professional who can help you determine what help you need and who is best to call to obtain help.

Local Support Group Information

American Cancer Society (Hazleton Office)
Surviving Together - General Cancer Support Group
Offering support to individuals affected by cancer.
Toll Free Number (800) ACS-2345
- Meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm March through November at the office in Hazleton.

American Cancer Society (Scranton Area)
Man to Man - Prostate Cancer Support Group
Man to Man support group is an opportunity for men who have prostate cancer to learn more about their disease and managing side effects and to network with other men who have the same diagnosis.
Toll Free Number (800) ACS-2345
Local Number (570) 346-0401
- Meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 7:00 pm at the Professional Radiation Oncology Partners, 5 Morgan Highway, Scranton.

Candy's Place Peer Group for Cancer Survivors Diagnosed Less Than 6 months ago
This group is facilitated by Denise Fried, R.N., O.C.N., Penny Cunningham, L.P.N., C.H.P.N and Meghan Spiegel, R.N. Light refreshments will be served. Call for reservations.
General Number (570) 714-8800
-Meetings are held the second Monday of every month from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, 190 Welles Street, Suite 120, Forty Fort.

Candy's Place Peer Group for Cancer Survivors Diagnosed 6 Months Ago and Later
This group is facilitated by Denise Fried, R.N., O.C.N., Penny Cunningham, L.P.N., C.H.P.N and Meghan Spiegel, R.N. Light refreshments will be served. Call for reservations.
General Number (570) 714-8800
-Meetings are held the first Monday of every month from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, 190 Welles Street, Suite 120, Forty Fort.

Candy's Place Peer Group for Caregivers and Loved Ones
This group is facilitated by Denise Fried, R.N., O.C.N., Penny Cunningham, L.P.N., C.H.P.N and Meghan Spiegel, R.N. Light refreshments will be served. Call for reservations.
General Number (570) 714-8800
-Meetings are held the third Monday of every month from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, 190 Welles Street, Suite 120, Forty Fort.

Delta Medix
General Cancer Support Group
This support group is for anyone that has had a diagnosis of cancer (recently or not), along with friends and family. The group features round table discussion as well as special speakers and light refreshments.
Cherrie Bentler, CRNP (570) 558-7400
-Meetings are held the last Wednesday of every month at 6pm at the Center for Comprehensive Care on the Morgan Highway, Scranton.

Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE)
Support Group
This support group is for people who have tested positive for the BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation OR have a strong family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer. The goal for the group is to include community outreach and education and to connect with other people in our area who are at high risk for breast and/or ovarian cancers.
If you have questions please call Maria at 570-236-0176
-Upcoming meeting will be held Thursday, February 28th at 6:30 pm Northeast Radiation Oncology Center (NROC):1110 Meade St., Dunmore, PA 18512. Please RSVP to Maria Serra at marias@facingourrisk.org

Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Cancer Center, Geisinger Wyoming Valley
General Cancer Support Group
The Henry Cancer Center offers a monthly support group to benefit cancer patients, survivors and their caregivers. The group offers timely topics that vary monthly presented by a team of experienced speakers on topics like support and coping, treatment, nutrition, life skills, and more. The support group meets March – December.
General Number (570) 820-6150
- Meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month at 3:30 pm at the Center, Wilkes-Barre.

John Heinz Rehabilitation Center
Freedom's Voices
The support group provides support for the new or soon to be laryngectomee patients and their families. The goal of the support group meeting is to share experiences and resources for coping.
General Number (570) 693-0897
- Meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm at the Center on Mundy Street, Wilkes-Barre.

Mercy Hospital
Ostomy Support Group
This support group is a volunteered –based health organization dedicated to providing education, information, support and advocacy for people who have had or will have intestinal or urinary diversions.
Joyce McDonough (570) 348-7738
Toll Free Number (888) 227-5445
- Meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 6:00 pm in the East Wing Café meeting room, 2nd floor, Scranton.

Northeast Radiation Oncology Center
Facing Cancer Together
Those affected by cancer are offered free interactive, educational and preventive programs and materials, particularly regarding colorectal, skin, ovarian and prostate cancers.
- Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm at NROC at 1110 Meade Street in Dunmore.
Please call  570-881-6247.

Northeast Radiation Oncology Center
Leukemia and Lymphoma Support Group
This support group is run by a social worker and is open to individuals with any type of blood cancer, their family/friends.
The group provides education and support resources on a variety of cancer-related issues.
General Number (570) 881-6247
- Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 5pm at the Center in Dunmore.

Northeast Radiation Oncology Center
Breast Cancer Forum
This support group is run by a social worker and is open to individuals with any breast cancer.
The group provides education and support resources on a variety of cancer-related issues.
General Number (570) 881-6247
- Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 5:30pm at the Center in Dunmore.

Saint Gabriel House
Man to Man - Prostate Cancer Support Group
(American Cancer Society, Hazleton)
Man to Man offers visits and support group for men affected by prostate cancer. It is a support and education program.
Toll Free Number (800) ACS-2345
- Meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm March through November at 132 S. Wyoming Street, Hazleton on the lower level in the United Way of Hazleton office.

Saint Gabriel House
Reach to Recovery Program (American Cancer Society, Hazleton)
This support group offers one on one support for women facing breast cancer. Women receive personal visits or support phone calls.
Peggy Shedlock (570) 823-5991
Toll Free Number (800) ACS-2345
- Meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm March through November at 132 S. Wyoming Street in Hazleton on the lower level in the United Way of Hazleton office.

Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer
(SPOHNC) - Dunmore, PA
SPOHNC, a patient-directed self-help organization, was founded in 1991 by an oral cancer survivor. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the emotional, physical and humanistic needs of oral, head, and neck cancer patients and caregivers. SPOHNC chapters hold monthly meetings offering information, support, and encouragement.
For more information please contact Kathryn Cramer LMSW, CCHT at 570-881-6247 or sccsocwork@hotmail.com.
- Meetings are held the last Thursday of every month from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at Northeast Radiation Oncology Center, 1110 Meade Street, Dunmore, PA.

Wayne Memorial Hospital
Cancer Support Group
This support group is coordinated by several women who have experienced a cancer diagnosis and want to help other find answers to questions and provide positive support for the patient, their family and friends.
Donna Decker, RN (570) 253-8422
- Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm at the Hospital, Honesdale.

The Wright Center - Wonderful Women Support Program
This is a community based outreach program with a mission to provide breast cancer resources to women and families who are currently facing or have been affected by breast cancer. Sessions with guest speakers feature a variety of topics including coping techniques, treatment options, and recovery methods.
For more information, contact Lindsay Gress at 570-383-9934
-Meetings are held MOndays at 5pm at The Wright Center for Primary Care Mid Valley Clinic in Jermyn. A new session starts November 5, 2012.

Wyoming Valley Health Care System, Wilkes-Barre General Hospital
Cancer Support Group
The support group provides a comfortable atmosphere for cancer patients and their families and support persons to share their cancer experiences. Conducted by health professionals, the meetings provide a program of support, education and hope through informational presentations and open discussions.
General Number (570) 552-1300
- Meetings are held the first and third Wednesday of each month at 4:00 pm in the Radiation Oncology Department, 575 North River Street, Wilkes-Barre.

Wyoming Valley Health Care System, Wilkes-Barre General Hospital
Prostate Cancer Support Group
The only support group of its kind in the Wilkes-Barre area, the "Man-to-Man" Support Group provides information and support specific for men with concerns about prostate cancer. The group provides a comfortable atmosphere for local prostate cancer patients and their families and support persons to share their cancer experiences. Conducted by health professionals, the meetings provide a program of support, education and hope through informational presentations and open discussions.
General Number (570) 552-1300
- Meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 4:00 pm in the Radiation Oncology Department, 575 North River Street, Wilkes-Barre.

If you know of a cancer support group that is not listed above please e-mail education@cancernepa.org.