Support Services
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Support & Networking Groups
Group support provides you opportunities for connection with others who are sharing a similar experience and the comfort in knowing you are not alone. At Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois at Gilda’s Club, we currently offer weekly support groups that are facilitated by mental health professionals.
Weekly or Biweekly Groups are for Adults Only:
- Connecting Through Cancer: For people with any type of cancer, at any stage, who are currently undergoing treatment, living with chronic cancer or recurrence, or choosing no treatment as an option. Virtual Option Available.
- Friends & Family: Individuals supporting or caring for adult spouses, siblings, a family member, or a friend. Virtual Option Available.
- Living with Loss: Adults who are grieving the death of an adult child, spouse or partner, parent, sibling, or close friend due to cancer.
- Advanced Cancer Group: Coming in 2025
Monthly Networking Groups
Networking groups are specialized groups which provide an opportunity for members to connect with one another about similar cancer-related issues or experiences. Current networking groups include:
- Breast Cancer Group: Support group for breast cancer patients and survivors.
- Prostate Cancer Support Group: Support group with an educational component to support those diagnosed with prostate cancer and their caregivers. This group is offered in collaboration with the Greater Quad Cities Prostate Us Too/Zero Cancer Group.
Open to Options
CSC Iowa & NW Illinois has a decision support counseling program called Open to Options® that can help you prepare for an appointment in which you will be making a treatment decision. The program is available for people with any stage of cancer.
The service can help you get the most out of your doctor’s visit and help you talk more openly with your healthcare team about the things that really matter to you in your cancer treatment. In a brief 1-hour session, an Open to Options® Specialist can help you develop a personal list of questions and concerns that will help you and your doctor explore your situation and develop the best treatment option for you.
Tips for Treatment Decision-Making
- Learn about your cancer and treatment options. Try and understand as much as you can about your diagnosis and the possible treatments.
- Bring someone else along. Bring a family member or friend along to listen along with you, take notes and keep track of the options.
- Talk about your decision with someone you trust. It can be helpful to talk through your ideas and concerns with family, friends, clergy or health professional. Some people find that support groups are a useful place to gather information and suggestions from others.
- Consult guidelines or other decision-making tools. The American Society of Clinical Oncology and other cancer organizations publish guidelines and treatment decision-making tools to help doctors and patients understand various treatment. (Always use treatment guidelines and other tools with the help and interpretation of your doctor.)
Cancer Companions
Cancer Companion is a free, peer-to-peer support program for people with cancer and their loved ones. We match you with a participant who has been through a similar experience, so you can have someone to talk to who understands what you’re going through.
Cancer Companion is a safe space to share your thoughts and feelings, without judgment. We believe that everyone deserves support during this difficult time.
Benefits of Peer-to-Peer Support
- Feeling understood and supported: When you talk to someone who has been through the same thing, you don't have to explain yourself. They know what you're going through, and they can offer genuine support.
- Learning from others: Your Cancer Companion can share their experiences and advice, which can help you learn how to cope with the challenges of cancer.
- Feeling empowered: Peer support can help you feel more in control of your situation. When you talk to someone who has been through it before, you can learn how to advocate for yourself and make informed decisions about your care.
- Reducing stress and anxiety: Peer support can help you reduce stress and anxiety by giving you a safe space to vent and process your emotions.
If you’re interested in joining Cancer Companion and being matched, please reach out to one of our Program Team Members. We’re here to help.
