Support Groups
While living with cancer, the support of family, friends and caregivers is important. Sometimes, new or additional sources of support are needed. Support groups provide education, support and sharing for anyone who is experiencing cancer in their lives. Whether you are the person with cancer, a family member, friend or loved one, support groups are available for you. Groups meet in person, by telephone and over the Internet. Below are local and national organizations that offer support groups. Support groups are usually free of charge. Contact the organizations directly, talk to your social worker, or ask your nurse for more information.
National Support Groups
Many national cancer organizations offer support groups for patients and/or for loved ones. The American Cancer Society offers the following programs in many communities: I Can Cope, Look Good...Feel Better, Man to Man, Reach to Recovery, and Road to Recovery. Contact the American Cancer Society office listed in the telephone directory or call 1-800-ACS-2345 to find out what services are available in your area. You may also contact your local healthcare provider for more information on support groups or visit the events section of this website to view upcoming local activities. American Cancer Society
Phone: (573) 443-1496 (In Columbia)
Phone: (573) 635-4821 (In Jefferson City)
Toll Free: (800) ACS-2345
Toll Free: (800) 429-7753 (In Columbia)
Toll Free: (800)635-9194 (In Jefferson City) Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Phone: (314) 878-0780 Virtual Wellness Community
Free online support services for people with cancer and their loved ones.
By appointment. Call our scheduling desk at (573)875-7081 for dates and times. The name Reiki (ray-key) originates from the Japanese Rei (spirit) and Ki (energy or life force); it is an ancient form of hands-on energy work. Reiki is a way to experience relaxation, peacefulness and energy. Recipients sit fully clothed in a comfortable chair as the practitioner uses the experience of gentle touch to balance mind, body and spirit. Sessions are 30-45 minutes in length and offered in a quiet environment. Trained volunteer practitioners provide Reiki for Relaxation free of charge to MCA patients, family members and caregivers. Look Good Feel Better
Held monthly. Please call for dates and times. This free program from the American Cancer Society helps women know that you can look good and feel better while living with cancer. The program is taught by licensed cosmetologists who help with make-up application and tips; skin and nail care; choice and care of a wig; info on hats, caps and scarves. An extensive make-up kit is provided and yours to take home. Participation is limited to one class per year. Reservation required. Writing for Wellness
Tuesday Morning 10:00 am - 11:30 am Studies have shown that writing in a journal can improve health and wellness by reducing stress and anxiety. Writing can also be used as a tool for healing and greater wellbeing. The Writing for Wellness program uses guided writing techniques to help explore thoughts, express ideas and work through problems. No writing experience is needed. Everyone can journal! Connections
A support group for persons living with cancer, their family and friends. Boone Hospital Center
2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month
Hours: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Contact: Deb Palmer, MSW
Phone: (573) 815-2100 Mid-Missouri Breast Cancer Awareness Group
Provides support and education to members and their families. Peak Performance
3301 Berrywood Dr.
Columbia, MO 65201
2nd Wednesday of the month @ 6:30 pm Contact: Kathy Windmoeller
Phone: (573) 443-0622 US TOO
A support group for men with prostate cancer and their families. Boone Hospital Center - Wellaware
Wednesday evening Contact: Wellaware for next date and time
Phone: (573)815-8000 For information and assistance with resources in your community, just ask your social worker or nurse.
Many national cancer organizations offer support groups for patients and/or for loved ones. The American Cancer Society offers the following programs in many communities: I Can Cope, Look Good...Feel Better, Man to Man, Reach to Recovery, and Road to Recovery. Contact the American Cancer Society office listed in the telephone directory or call 1-800-ACS-2345 to find out what services are available in your area. You may also contact your local healthcare provider for more information on support groups or visit the events section of this website to view upcoming local activities. American Cancer Society
Phone: (573) 443-1496 (In Columbia)
Phone: (573) 635-4821 (In Jefferson City)
Toll Free: (800) ACS-2345
Toll Free: (800) 429-7753 (In Columbia)
Toll Free: (800)635-9194 (In Jefferson City) Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Phone: (314) 878-0780 Virtual Wellness Community
Free online support services for people with cancer and their loved ones.
- Led by trained professionals
- Designed to help you connect with others with cancer
- Scheduled to meet each week for 90 minutes
- Easy to access anytime, anywhere
- Secure and password protected
- Set up to allow you to remain anonymous, if you choose
- Visit The Wellness Community website to complete the online registration form.
- Designed to help you connect with others with cancer
- A staff person from The Wellness Community will call you for a short interview.
- Following the interview, complete and return the diagnosis or caregiver confirmation form to The Wellness Community.
By appointment. Call our scheduling desk at (573)875-7081 for dates and times. The name Reiki (ray-key) originates from the Japanese Rei (spirit) and Ki (energy or life force); it is an ancient form of hands-on energy work. Reiki is a way to experience relaxation, peacefulness and energy. Recipients sit fully clothed in a comfortable chair as the practitioner uses the experience of gentle touch to balance mind, body and spirit. Sessions are 30-45 minutes in length and offered in a quiet environment. Trained volunteer practitioners provide Reiki for Relaxation free of charge to MCA patients, family members and caregivers. Look Good Feel Better
Held monthly. Please call for dates and times. This free program from the American Cancer Society helps women know that you can look good and feel better while living with cancer. The program is taught by licensed cosmetologists who help with make-up application and tips; skin and nail care; choice and care of a wig; info on hats, caps and scarves. An extensive make-up kit is provided and yours to take home. Participation is limited to one class per year. Reservation required. Writing for Wellness
Tuesday Morning 10:00 am - 11:30 am Studies have shown that writing in a journal can improve health and wellness by reducing stress and anxiety. Writing can also be used as a tool for healing and greater wellbeing. The Writing for Wellness program uses guided writing techniques to help explore thoughts, express ideas and work through problems. No writing experience is needed. Everyone can journal! Connections
A support group for persons living with cancer, their family and friends. Boone Hospital Center
2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month
Hours: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Contact: Deb Palmer, MSW
Phone: (573) 815-2100 Mid-Missouri Breast Cancer Awareness Group
Provides support and education to members and their families. Peak Performance
3301 Berrywood Dr.
Columbia, MO 65201
2nd Wednesday of the month @ 6:30 pm Contact: Kathy Windmoeller
Phone: (573) 443-0622 US TOO
A support group for men with prostate cancer and their families. Boone Hospital Center - Wellaware
Wednesday evening Contact: Wellaware for next date and time
Phone: (573)815-8000 For information and assistance with resources in your community, just ask your social worker or nurse.
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