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It's people with cancer and, sometimes, family and friends, meeting regularly to talk about common issues and provide friendship and practical support.
Support groups often meet at hospitals or community venues. Some groups have a specific cancer focus (ie. breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, etc) while others are open to anyone affected by any type of cancer.
There are over 160 groups across Victoria and every group's different, so it's important to have a chat with the group facilitator beforehand, around what to expect.
Our cancer support groups follow a self-help model and are run by volunteers. There are internet and phone support groups for those unable to travel, which are a little different, and are run by cancer council staff. These groups normally have a specific focus (i.e. younger, women/men, cancer survivors, advanced cancer, etc.).
Cancer Voices Victoria is a state-based umbrella organisation for advocacy and support groups. Cancer patients, survivors, carers and medical providers are all involved. Visit Cancer Voices Victoria to learn more about its advocacy work.
We run seminars for people who facilitate cancer support groups. These include 1-day seminars about facilitation as well as information seminars which support and ‘upskill' facilitators in their role.
A guide to setting up a cancer support group is also available. For details or if you feel there may be a need to start a group in your area, call our Support Groups Facilitator on 9635 5000 or 13 11 20.
Facilitator training workshops proudly supported by RACV.
Cancer Support Groups (243kb)