About the Cancer Support Community

The Cancer Support Community is an international non-profit dedicated to providing support, education and hope to people affected by cancer.  As the world’s largest employer of psychosocial oncology mental health professionals in the United States, the organization offers a network of personalized services and education for all people affected by cancer.  Its global network brings the highest quality cancer support to the millions of people touched by cancer.  To ensure no one has to face cancer alone, these support services are available through a network of professionally-led community-based centers, hospitals, community oncology practices and other non-profits, as well as online.  The Cancer Support Community is also exploring the use of novel technologies, including mobile, to help extend the reach of these meaningful resources.

Ushering in a New Era in Cancer Care

The Cancer Support Community is strengthening the link between medical and emotional health.  Backed by evidence that the best cancer care includes emotional and social support, the organization is leading the charge to define and implement a new standard of cancer care.  In 2007, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) issued a ground breaking report, Cancer Care for the Whole Patient: Meeting Psychosocial Health Needs, which declared psychosocial support an essential part of cancer care. The report goes on to state that community-based nonprofit organizations are crucial to delivering this support and need to be better incorporated into the continuum of care. 

This report validated what the organization has known and worked hard to deliver for more than 25 years.  Taking the lead in addressing the emotional and social needs of people affected by cancer, the Cancer Support Community’s unique model of community-based support is transforming the way cancer care is being approached.  As such, advocacy groups across the globe have used our organization’s landmark programs – including support groups, educational and survivorship programs and an online community – as a guide for delivering support. 

Building on a Foundation of Quality Cancer Support

In July 2009, The Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club joined forces to become the Cancer Support Community.  By helping to complete the cancer care plan, the Cancer Support Community continues to helps optimize patient care by providing essential, but often overlooked, services including support groups, counseling, education and healthy lifestyle programs.

Today, the Cancer Support Community provides the highest quality emotional and social support through a network of nearly 50 local affiliates, more than 100 satellite locations and online.  To find a community-based center in your area, visit www.cancersupportcommunity.org.

Personalized and professionally-led cancer support services are available at the following locations: