Support and Education Groups for Patients and the Community

People support each other in a group sessionRutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey invites you to participate in our support groups and educational programs for patients, families and friends. These free groups and programs provide a forum to discuss cancer-related issues, while providing a supportive atmosphere where participants may share feelings, questions and concerns with others. Participants can get useful information about community services, share tips on coping skills and find new ways to deal with stress.

*** Our support groups are currently virtual or over the phone. 
 

 March 2024 Support Group Calendar

 

Breast Cancer Support Groups

The Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey sponsors Breast Cancer Support Groups to help improve the education of patients with this disease, provide the opportunity to receive information and to facilitate sharing among breast cancer survivors.

  • The Time to Talk group is held on the first Tuesday of the month at 5:00pm
  • The Metastatic Breast Support Group is held on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 5:00pm

Patients and support persons may attend these sessions. For more information please contact the Social Work Department at 732-235-6792.


Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer Support Group

Open to all patients affected by pancreatic, colorectal, liver, esophageal, stomach, gallbladder and other GI cancers.

  • Held on the third Wednesday of each month at 5:00pm

For more information, please contact the Social Work Department at 732-235-6792.


Gynecologic Support Group

Connect with other gynecologic patients for emotional support and empowerment

  • Held on the fourth Thursday of every month at 5:00pm

For more information please contact the Social Work Department at 732-235-6792


Living with Cancer-Patient and Family Support Group

Living with Cancer is a support group for cancer patients and their caregivers. The goal is to improve education, promote mutual problem solving and facilitate sharing.

  • Held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 5:00pm. 

For more information please contact the Social Work Department at 732-235-6792.


Mindfulness Meditation

Please join us for mindfulness meditation, which is about deliberately taking the time to practice the act of being consciously aware with mindful attitudes. It helps us focus on what we’re sensing and feeling in the moment without interpretation or judgment. Benefits of mindfulness include, understanding and accepting that stress is a natural response to difficult time and challenges, learning to pay attention to our thoughts and emotions with kindness and compassion, improve quality of sleep, ease pain, elevate mood, and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

  • Held on the third Thursday of every month at 5:00pm

If you have any questions, please contact the Social Work Department at 732-235-6792. 


Guided Imagery

Guided Imagery is a mindfulness practice utilizing the power of suggestion.  Guided imagery is meant to help reduce stress anxiety and other challenging emotional sensations and bring about a sense of wellbeing.  Our guided imagery program utilizes verbal suggestions to help evoke all 5 senses and create in a participant’s mind’s eye a positive image, sensations and scenario that are pleasant and restorative.

  • Held twice a month – 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 2:00pm

For more information, please contact the Social Work Department at 732-235-6792.