What types of support groups do we run?
Women and men can experience feelings of isolation, anxiety and sadness after a breast cancer diagnosis, and don’t want to burden their family or friends with all their concerns. Being part of a support group gives our clients an opportunity to share their feelings, while receiving support and friendship from those who have been through or are going through similar experiences, and relax in a confidential, caring, non-judgemental, and non-clinical environment. We currently offer support groups for:
- Women with early breast cancer
- Young women with early breast cancer
- Women with metastatic breast cancer
- Young women with metastatic breast cancer
These groups are available around the metropolitan and some regional areas.
We also have some online groups to benefit our regional clients. For the full list active support groups click here.
Research has shown that the top five reasons a person joins a support group is to:
- know they are not alone
- learn how other people deal with cancer and compare their experiences
- hear about current medical research
- become more informed about cancer treatment and side effects, and
- relax with others who understand what they are going through.
All Breast Cancer Care WA support groups require registration prior to attending.
For more information, please contact us below.
FAQs
Why should I join a support group?
Support groups help participants to feel less distressed, less alone and more optimistic
about the future. However, support groups are not for everyone. Some prefer individual counselling, some have social support, and other support groups that attend those needs.
What should I expect from a support group?
We aim to offer participants the opportunity to meet, connect, share their experiences
and support one another on a regular basis in a safe and supportive environment.
How many people are in a support group?
Each group has between 3 and 15 participants – usually between 6-8 on average.
How often do support groups occur?
They run monthly from February to November each year.
How long do groups run for?
Face to face groups run for two hours, while online groups run for one hour.