Cancer Support Groups in Tacoma, WA
Cancer support groups offer invaluable resources in dealing with the physical challenges of cancer as well as the emotional impact of the disease. Family members and caretakers can also benefit from the relief and friendship these groups provide.
A good support group welcomes each person and allows them room to take part or just listen. The leader sets a tone of acceptance, gives equal opportunity to participate, keeps focus on the group’s purpose and guards against any harmful interaction.
Groups should give the attendees a chance to be open and honest in their expression and find like-minded individuals in similar situations who can help you with their journey. If you don’t fit with the first group you try, be sure to try another.
“Just want to express my appreciation and gratitude for the support group gathering today! It was such a wonderful way to connect and listen to others’ voices about their journeys and share mine, allowing us to create a tapestry of connection, love and hope!!”– NWMS Advanced Stage Support Group Member, 2023
Auburn Support Groups
General Cancer Support Group (Virtual)
Who: For patients, caregivers, adult family members, and friends. Meeting includes an educational program and a time of sharing.
When: 2nd Thursday of the month
Where: Virtual
For Information: Contact Tamara Miller, MSHS, BCPA (253) 697-4899;
Cost: Free
Olympia/Lacey/Centralia
Living With Cancer (Virtual)
Who: Patients and caregivers welcome.
When: 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month, 2:00 pm-3:30 pm
Where: Virtual
For Information: Contact Mae Kessler: (360) 912-9041, mae.kessler@providence.org
Cost: Free
Enhancing Life Through the Cancer Journey (Virtual)
Who: Individuals with an advanced cancer diagnosis
When: 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
Where: Virtual
For Information: Contact Cobie Whitten, Ph.D.: (360) 789-7576
Cost: Free
Breast Cancer Support (Centralia)
Who: Individuals diagnosed with breast cancer
When: 2nd Monday of the month, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm
Where: Not listed, contact facilitator for location
For Information: Contact Candy Coons at (360) 304-8472
Cost: Free
Prostate Cancer- “Us Too” (Lacey group meeting virtually)
Who: Individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer
When: 3rd Tuesday of the month, 7:00 pm-8:30 pm
Where: Virtual
For Information: Contact Paul Eldenburg, (206) 419-3802 or visit olyustoo.org
Cost: Free
Prostate Cancer Support (Centralia)
Who: Individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer
When: 4th Thursday of the month, 7:00 pm-8:00 pm
Where: Not listed, contact facilitator for location
For Information: Contact Arnie Guenther: (360) 388-6271, arnieguenther@gmail.com
Cost: Free
Puyallup Support Groups
General Cancer Support Group (Virtual)
Who: Patients, caregivers, adult family members, and friends. Meeting includes an educational program and a time of sharing.
When: 1st Thursday of the month, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Where: Virtual
For Information: Please call Cancer Resource Center at (253) 697-4899
Cost: Free (Donations welcome. Sponsored by Good Samaritan/Multicare)
General Cancer Support Group
Who: Open to all cancer survivors and care partners
When: 1st Thursday of the month, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm
Where: Elite Physical Therapy: 9909 224th St. E, Graham, WA 98338
For Information: Call Dr. Jessica Sorano, (253) 780-4965
Cost: Free
Advanced Stage Cancer Support Group (Virtual)
Who: Individuals diagnosed with stage III or stage IV cancer
When: 3rd Thursday of the Month, 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Where: Virtual
For Information: Call Abra Kelson: (253) 200-3164, akelson@nwmsonline.com
Cost: Free (Pre-registration required)
Spiritual Support Groups
Chaplains are here to help with a wide range of needs you might have. Chaplains meet with patients and families from all religious/spiritual backgrounds and with those who aren’t religious. Call the St. Anthony Spiritual Care Office at 253-530-2142.
Tacoma Support Groups
General Cancer Support Group (Virtual)
Who: For patients, caregivers, adult family members, and friends. Meeting includes an educational program and a time of sharing.
When: 2nd & 4th Thursday at 5:30 pm
Where: Virtual
For Information: Contact Betsy Allen/MultiCare Tacoma Regional Cancer Center at (253) 403-3169.
Cost: Free
Knit for Life
Who: Individuals affected by cancer
When: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, 1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Where: Saint Joseph Hospital in Room 10B-8, 1717 South J Street, Tacoma
For Information: Call the Franciscan Cancer Resource Center at (253) 426-6746, or Carol Magelssen at (253) 472-4886.
Cost: Free
Tacoma Prostate Cancer Support Group (Virtual)
Who: Individuals with prostate cancer
When: 4th Tuesday of the Month (except December) at 6:30 pm
Where: Virtual
For Information: Call Bob Freeborn; (253) 566-1651
Cost: Free