Cancer Support Groups

The Vernon Cancer Center offers support groups for cancer patients, cancer survivors and care givers. Support groups are designed so attendees can gain support through discussing concerns and connecting with others. Our groups help patients, who come to us from throughout the Greater Boston area, to cope with their diagnosis and make meaning of this illness in their lives. Our cancer support groups include:

Breast Cancer Support Group
Cancer Survivor's Support Group - "Rebuilding Lives"
Caregiver's Support Group
Look Good... Feel Better Program
Orientation to the Vernon Cancer Center
Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer

Looking for a different group?
If you do not see a group for your specific need, please contact 617-219-1230 for assistance. Please also view our additional groups and special programs.

Breast Cancer Support Group       When: First and third Tuesdays, 1:30 - 3:00 pm Where: Vernon Cancer Center Integrated Support Services (Lower Level, Vernon Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley) Directions to Newton-Wellesley Hospital More Information:  please call 617-219-1230 to register or for more information. This is a supportive drop-in group for women currently in treatment for breast cancer. It provides women an opportunity to gain emotional support through discussion of concerns related to diagnosis and treatment. Group facilitated by Rachelle LaMaster, LCSW, Vernon Cancer Center Social Worker.

Cancer Survivor's Support Group - "Rebuilding Lives" When: TBD Where: Newton-Wellesley Hospital Directions to Newton-Wellesley Hospital More Information: Please call 617-219-1230 to register or for more information.  This group is for people who have completed cancer treatments and are looking for support in moving back fully into their lives.  This group is facilitated by Vivienne Simon, life coach, and cancer survivor with nearly 10 years experience working with people facing cancer.  .

Caregiver's Support Group When: Six Wednesdays, 2:00 - 3:30 pm: Sept. 5, 19; Oct. 10, 24; Nov. 7, 28 Where: Vernon Cancer Center Integrated Support Services (Lower Level, Vernon Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley) Directions to Newton-Wellesley Hospital More Information:  please call 617-243-6328 or email Susan Maxwell, LICSW to register or for more information.    Taking care of a person with cancer is a physically and emotionally challenging experience.  This group will provide a place for caregivers to come together to share practical concerns, as well as thoughts and feelings, with other people who are going through a similar life experience.  The agenda of the group will be open-ended and will reflect the wishes and needs of the group members.  Susan Maxwell, LICSW, a clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience working with people in a variety of medical settings will lead this group.

Look Good... Feel Better Program When: Monthly meeting, day varies Where: Vernon Cancer Center Integrated Support Services (Lower Level, Vernon Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley) Directions to the Vernon Cancer Center More Information: Please call 617-219-1230 for more information. The Look Good… Feel Better Program (LGFB) is sponsored by the American Cancer Society, along with the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association and the National Cosmetology Association.  LGFB is designed for women going through cancer treatment. Treatment may cause temporary changes in appearance that can be upsetting. It is often said, “If you look good, you’ll feel better” and that is the purpose of this very special program. LGFB teaches participants cosmetic tips to look and feel good about themselves during chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Participants learn about skin care, nail care, makeup and ways to deal with hair loss.

Orientation to the Vernon Cancer Center  When: First Wednesdays from 9:30 - 10:30 am and third Wednesdays from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm every month Where: Vernon Cancer Center Integrated Support Services (Lower Level, Vernon Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley) Directions to the Vernon Cancer Center More Information: Please call 617-219-1230 for more information. Registration is not required. This orientation will explain all the services the Vernon Cancer Center offers. It will include a tour. The orientation is led by a member of our Integrated Support Services team.

SPOHNC: Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer When: First Wednesday of each month from 6:30 - 8:00 pm Where: Vernon Cancer Center Integrated Support Services (Lower Level, Vernon Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley) Directions to the Vernon Cancer Center More Information:  Please call 617-219-1230 to register or for more information.  Additional information about SPOHNC located at http://www.spohnc.org/ This group offers information, support and encouragement to newly diagnosed patients, survivors, family members and friends.  Group facilitated by Rachelle LaMaster, LCSW, Vernon Cancer Center Social Worker.