Navigating a Cancer Diagnosis: How Support Groups Can Make a Difference
At Ackerman Cancer Center, the journey through cancer treatment doesn’t have to be faced alone. With a strong focus on holistic care, ACC offers a range of comprehensive support programs designed to help patients and their loved ones navigate the emotional and physical challenges that cancer often brings.
From educational resources to one-on-one counseling, ACC’s social work team’s support services aim to provide the tools necessary for emotional well-being, practical advice, and coping strategies. Cancer patients are encouraged to explore these resources, which include support groups that offer a sense of community and understanding from others who are experiencing similar challenges. A guest speaker is featured each month at ACC’s support group meetings, where they typically lead an engaging activity, provide valuable advice, and host a Q&A session.
These programs are tailored to support both patients and caregivers, recognizing that everyone affected by cancer needs a safe space to share their experiences and learn from others. In addition, Ackerman Cancer Center’s commitment to addressing the emotional health of its patients ensures that everyone has the opportunity to thrive both during and after their cancer treatment.
Men Helping Men: Prostate Cancer Support Group
Men Helping Men is an empowering educational program designed to support men in making informed decisions at every stage of their prostate cancer journey. This program offers valuable resources, guidance, and a community of support for men facing prostate cancer. Speakers at Men Helping Men range from radiation oncologists, pelvic health therapists, and more.
SHINE: Women’s Health Support Group
SHINE is an interactive women’s support group that provides an uplifting environment to encourage meaningful and helpful conversations, education, and activities. SHINE has recently expanded its mission to support all women’s health needs, extending beyond just breast cancer. Through SHINE, our goal is to help women with cancer make informed treatment decisions, equip them with tools to ease the challenges of treatment, and, most importantly, offer support and encouragement during and after cancer. Speakers at SHINE range from health and wellness coaches, estheticians, and more.
BEAM Team: Bravely Educating and Mentoring
The BEAM Team is a group of cancer survivors who are available to speak to anyone about their cancer journey – whether you have just been diagnosed, are currently undergoing treatment, or have a loved one with cancer. BEAM stands for Bravely Educating and Mentoring, and these extraordinary survivors stand for everything Ackerman Cancer Center values. To connect with a member of the BEAM Team, please contact the social work department at (904) 880-5522.
To learn more about these programs and support services, visit Ackerman Cancer Center’s Support Programs page. Whether you are currently undergoing treatment or are supporting a loved one, these resources provide a helping hand when it’s needed most.