Our Programs
The Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia offers more than 150 programs each month — all provided free of charge — for men, women, and children whose lives have been affected by cancer. Our main categories of offerings (and some example programs from each) are listed below. Please see our program calendar for a complete list of our programs this month.
Groups and Evidence-Based Counseling
We provide support and networking groups where people with cancer, along with their family members and friends, engage with others with similar diagnoses and experiences. These groups span adults, teens and children. We also provide one-on-one, short-term evidence-based counseling based on a person’s individual needs.
These groups offer the chance to share stories, connect with others and obtain resources specific to their cancer diagnoses and experiences.
Examples of Support and Networking Groups:
Living with Cancer Support Group
Living with Cancer (LWC) Support Groups are for individuals currently (or up to 18 months post treatment) experiencing a cancer diagnosis. These groups aim to provide peer support, resources and access to information that can be utilized along the cancer journey. Expect to meet other individuals with a variety of diagnoses and treatment regimens. LWC groups are closed groups and prior to attending, individuals must have joined CSCGP as a member, have a pre-attendance conversation with a program staff member, and commit to attending on a regular basis.
Living After Cancer Networking Group
Includes individuals more than 18 months post treatments. To join, schedule a New Member Meeting.
Friends & Family Networking Group
Includes friends & family members of individuals in treatment, looking to share resources and support.
Bereavement Support Group
Includes individuals who have lost a loved one (spouse, family, friend) to cancer. To join, schedule a New Member Meeting.
Colorectal Cancer Networking Group
Includes individuals with first-hand knowledge of a colorectal cancer diagnosis. Friends & family members welcome.
Ovarian Cancer Networking Group
Includes individuals with first-hand knowledge of a Ovarian cancer diagnosis. Friends & family members welcome.
Gynecological Cancer Networking Group
Includes individuals with first-hand knowledge of a gynecological cancer diagnosis. Friends & family members welcome.
Open to Options
Open to Options can help you take full advantage of your doctor’s visit and support you in speaking more openly with your health care team about your goals, values, and concerns.
My Care Report
Cancer Support Source, My Care Report helps to break down barriers to cancer care. Individuals complete a short questionnaire, at the conclusion they are provided with useful resources related specifically to their concerns.
Breast Cancer Networking Group
Includes individuals with first-hand knowledge of a breast cancer diagnosis. Friends & family members welcome.
Blood Cancer Networking Group
Includes individuals with first-hand knowledge of a blood cancer diagnosis. Friends & family members welcome.
Women's Support Circle
Women’s Support Circle is a monthly group created to build a community of empowered women. This group offers a safe and welcoming space where cancer survivors can share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs with others who empathize with their
journey. Any woman who is experiencing a cancer diagnosis is welcome to attend.
Men's Health & Cancer Networking Group
The Men’s Health Networking Group is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for men impacted by a cancer diagnosis. This group offers a space for men to share their experiences, connect with others facing similar challenges, and access
valuable resources. This group is open all individuals identifying as male that have been impacted by a cancer diagnosis. All diagnoses, stages and treatment regimens are welcome.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Networking Group
Includes individuals with first-hand knowledge of a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. Friends & family members welcome.
Pancreatic Cancer Networking Group
Includes individuals with first-hand knowledge of a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Friends & family members welcome.
Kid's Support
Using age-appropriate activities, children meet together weekly to learn vital coping skills. Parents meet separately to learn how to parent while dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
Straight Talk About Cancer (STAC)
A peer support group for teens in middle and high school who have cancer in their lives. This program takes place during the normal school day in various area school districts.
Cafecito y Conexión
Cafecito y Conexión es un grupo donde nos reunimos para compartir nuestras historias, experiencias y encontrar formas de compartir esperanza y apoyo emocional. El grupo es para cuidadores, pacientes y cualquier persona afectada por el cancer. Llama al 215 879-7733 ext. 105 o envíe un correo electrónico a Silenia@cancersupportphiladelphia.org para obtener más información y registrarse.
Cafecito y Conexión is a group where we gather to share our stories, experiences, and find ways to share hope and emotional support. The group is open to caregivers, patients, and anyone affected by cancer.
Educational Events
We organize workshops and conferences where people with cancer, their family members and friends learn, and ask questions about, cancer-related topics that are important to them. We also convene clinical symposia to provide doctors, nurses and other medical professionals with important insights into the emotional needs of those affected by cancer.
Educational programs utilize an “Empowerment Approach” in which new skills and information is taught that can be incorporated into one’s daily life. Guests are always welcome at educational events. To view previous workshops, please visit our YouTube Channel.
Examples of our lectures and workshops:
Physical Therapy Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
Cancer Transitions
Frankly Speaking Educational Series
Health and Wellness Classes
We teach a variety of nutritional, wellness and creative classes where people with cancer, along with their family members and friends, learn how to practice healthy lifestyles. In addition to an array of dietary and cooking classes, we provide opportunities to practice yoga, Qigong, reiki, Pilates and other mind-body disciplines. We also offer writing, jewelry making, painting and other creative arts that allow people to express themselves.
Nutritional Programs
Nutritional Programs are often taught by volunteers or professionals who have a passion for nutrition and cooking and hope to offer their wealth of knowledge to our members who are looking for different dietary options or even simple ideas for foods before, during, and after their cancer journey.
Examples of our lectures and workshops:
Healthy Cooking Around the World
Movement and Exercise Arts
Mind-Body Wellness programs seek to support our members who want to practice and be mindful of their health in a supportive, group environment. Our programs are facilitated by professionals or volunteers who want to help members who wish to work on a healthy lifestyle at their own pace.
Examples of our lectures and workshops:
Yoga
Offer both traditional mat yoga and chair yoga, all instructors offer adaptations for individuals to account for surgery and side effects
Nia Sponsored by Bob Brockman NIA Fund
Holistic dance movement similar to aerobics that incorporates several dance movements and martial arts movements. Generously sponsored by the Bob Brockman NIA Fund.
Tai chi & QiGong
Martial arts that incorporates deep breathing, stretching, and a focus on circulation
Pilates
Workout with mind and body focus, Pilates incorporates stretching and controlled movements to build strength
Expressive Arts
Creative Expressions Programs are run by volunteers and workers who share our members’ passions for arts, crafts, and writing. Our members join us in making new and expressive works to share with the community and each other. Select pieces are showcased here.
Examples of our creative expressions programs:
Writing for Wellness
Knitting, Crocheting (& everything else) Circle
Beaded Jewelry Making
Acrylic Painting
Social Activities
We host a variety of social gatherings – from season and holiday evens to casual drop-ins-for people of all ages throughout the year. In addition to being a lot of fun, they provide an opportunity for those affcted by cancer to share their experiences with others.
Social Activities are typically available as networking and socializing events for our members to come out and join us for a fun time, or to meet others and share stories and experiences.
Examples of our social opportunities:
Movie Afternoons
Potlucks
Trivia Nights
Monthly Men’s Breakfast
Live Music Performances
Children's Program - Holiday Party and Christmas in July
Children's Program Spring Egg Hunt