Support groups provide additional layer of comfort for cancer patients and survivors
Kaiser Permanente care teams in the Central Valley have been recognized for their comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to cancer care — and have received prestigious accreditations from the Commission on Cancer and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) for their efforts
Part of this important work includes offering resources for patients to help support them through their cancer journey. Several cancer support groups meet at our facilities, providing an outlet for patients and their families to connect with others who are, or have been, on the same journey.
“Support groups are an important component of our patients’ care and recovery, as it gives them a safe place to talk about their feelings and fears,” said April Spiller, LCSW, Oncology Social Worker and facilitator of all but one of the support groups. “Support groups have been shown to improve the patient’s mood and confidence, as well as their ability to cope with stress and feelings of control.”
Kaiser Permanente partners with several community resources to provide support groups at select facilities in the Central Valley. Here are the support groups that are currently offered:
Cancer Support Group
Participants explore the topic of cancer in a comfortable setting through the various aspects of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. This group is for individuals who are undergoing or who have completed cancer treatment.
Modesto: 2nd Tuesday of the month, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Stockton: 1st Wednesday of the month, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Breast Cancer Support Group
Explore the topic of breast cancer in a comfortable setting through the various aspects of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. This group is for women who are undergoing or have completed breast cancer treatment.
Modesto: 3rd Wednesday of the month, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Stockton: 4th Wednesday of the month, 2 to 4 p.m.
UsTOO Prostate Cancer Support Group
Receiving the news that you or a loved one has prostate cancer is traumatizing. UsTOO is a community-based prostate cancer organization helping men and their families make informed decisions about prostate cancer detection and treatment through support, education and advocacy. Prostate cancer survivors who attend meetings — sometimes along with spouses/partners — find valuable information and perspective from their peers who often have “been there, done that.
Manteca: 3rd Tuesday of the month, 10:30 a.m. to noon
General Caregiver Support Group
Not specifically cancer-related, this group is designed to provide support, share community resources, and teach self-care and coping techniques for individuals providing care to ill or aging family members.
Modesto: 3rd Tuesday of the month, 10:30 a.m. to Noon
Stockton: 1st Tuesday of the month, 10:30 a.m. to Noon
All meetings are held in the facility’s Conference Center (check the conference room schedule for exact rooms, as they may change from month to month), and are open to both Kaiser Permanente members and the community. No pre-registration is required, and there is no fee to attend these support groups.
“Please share these resources with your teams in case they or someone they know may benefit from them,” Spiller said. “Support groups let cancer patients and survivors know they are not alone and have a team of supporters helping them every step of the way.”
The American College of Surgeons and the Commission on Cancer do not warrant or make any guarantees or assurances related to outcomes of treatment provided by institutions that have cancer programs accredited by the Commission on Cancer.
Facility locations:
Manteca Medical Offices: 1720 W. Yosemite Ave., Manteca, CA 95337 • 209-825-3700
Modesto Medical Center: 4601 Dale Road, Modesto, CA 95363 • 209-735-5000
Stockton Medical Offices: 7373 West Lane, Stockton, CA 95210 • 209-476-2000
