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.
Counseling & Support
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, 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 Counseling and Support Groups:
Living with Cancer Support Group
Includes individuals currently in treatment through 18 months post-treatment. To join, schedule a New Member Meeting.
Living After Cancer Support
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 Networking 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 program 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.
Cancer Support Source
Helping to break down barriers to cancer care through our proprietary distress screening tool.
Brain Cancer Networking Group
Includes individuals with first-hand knowledge of a brain cancer diagnosis. Friends & family members welcome.
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.
Prostate Cancer Networking Group
Includes individuals with first-hand knowledge of a prostate cancer diagnosis. Friends & family members 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.
Workshops & Lectures
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 Workshops and Lectures:
digital sherpa®
Physical Therapy Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
Managing Chemo-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Frankly Speaking Educational Series
Cancer Transitions
Health & Wellness Programs
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 instruction in yoga, Tai chi, reiki, Pilates and other mind-body disciplines. We also teach 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 Nutritional Programs:
Healthy Cooking Around the World
Beat Cancer with Your Fork
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 taught by professionals or volunteers who want to help members who wish to work on a healthy lifestyle at their own pace.
Examples of our Movement and Exercise Arts Programs:
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
Reiki Share
Holistic energy sharing
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 Expressive Arts Programs:
Writing for Wellness
Singing Circle
Knitting & Needlecrafts
Beading Jewelry
Acrylic Painting
Children & Teen Programs
Our Children & Teen Program is just that — support for children and teenagers who have a diagnosis of cancer or who have loved ones with a diagnosis. We want to address the cancer experience while also allowing kids and teens to express their feelings, network with other kids, and engage in fun activities that we offer at CSCGP.
Examples of our Children and Teen Programs:
Social Networking
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 Networking events:
Movie Afternoons
Potlucks
Trivia Nights
Monthly Men’s Breakfast
Live Music Performances