Support Groups

There are two general kinds of support groups; those led by health professionals, and self help groups run by people who have cancer. Some groups offer support, some education, some a combination of the two. Some groups are for patients alone, some for family members, and some for both. Some are less traditional and may focus on mind/body 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 where you can obtain this type of assistance.

Local Support Group Information
The Cancer Institute highly recommends that you call the listed contact number prior to attending your first support group meeting to ensure that no scheduling/location changes have been made.

American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org 
(800) ACS-2345

Road to Recovery is becoming available in more areas of NRCI's service area. Recommend calling ACS to determine if this service is available in your area 800-227-2345
Reach to Recovery- You are matched with a survivor who has/had similar type of cancer, stage and treatment. One on one support through website cancer.org
Surviving Together - this is an online source of information and statistics.

The Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA
https://cancerwellnessnepa.org/ 
570-714-8800
Please reach out directly to The Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA for the most updated information about their support groups and services. 

Peer to Peer Support Group- meeting the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m.
Breast Cancer Support Group- meeting the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m.

Grief Support Group- Call The Cancer Wellness Center for more information

Men's Cancer Support Group- call The Cancer Wellness Center for more information

*Also available:
Wellness- yoga/cardio/one-on-one personal training
Healing- Reiki/massage therapy/Reflexology/Acupuncture/Vibrational Sound Therapy

Delta Medix
www.lvhn.org/deltamedix (Cherrie Butler 570-445-2422)

Local LVHN (Delta Medix Cancer Center) support groups at 5 Morgan Highway, Scranton, PA 18503 office have resumed and are meeting on the following days:

Man to Man Prostate Cancer support group being held the second Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m.

General Cancer Support Group being held the last Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m.

 

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 or email her at marias@facingourrisk.org.
-Meetings are held at Northeast Radiation Oncology Center (NROC):1110 Meade St., Dunmore, PA 18512.

Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Cancer Center, Geisinger Wyoming Valley
Currently not providing any support groups

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.

Northeast Radiation Oncology Center (NROC)
www.nrocdoctors.com
(570) 504-7200

*NROC's support groups listed below are not currently meeting. Please reach out to NROC directly for information or to check when meetings may resume. 

*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.
- Currently not meeting.
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
- Currently not meeting.

*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
- Currently not meeting.

*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.
- Currently not meeting.

Regional Hospital of Scranton

Prostate Cancer Support Group

This support group is welcoming, educational and free of charge.

Meetings are held the second Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m. located in the McGowan Conference Center at Regional Hospital, 743 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton.

Free parking included.

If you are interested in attending, please contact Don Ezrin at dele0527@comcast.net. For more information, join at Prostate Cancer Support Group of NEPA.

Wayne County Area Agency on Aging
www.waynecountypa.gov 
570-253-4262
Available in person with option to participate virtually

Wayne Memorial Hospital
www.wmh.org
Support groups have been suspended due to COVID-19, Some are meeting online/virtually.
Contact 570-253-8990 for more information regarding availability.

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.

Cancer Care
www.cancercare.org
800-813-HOPE (4673)
Professional oncology social workers provide free emotional & practical support for people with cancer, loved ones and the bereaved. Services include: counseling, resource navigation, support groups (offered via phone, online, or in person), financial and co-pay assistance, specialized programs and community programs.

 

If you know of a cancer support group that is not listed above please contact the Cancer Institute.