Support Groups and Classes for Cancer
We offer a variety of support groups and classes to help you:
- Connect with other patients and families coping with cancer.
- Learn more about treatments such as chemotherapy.
- Ease stress through yoga and mindfulness.
Support and writing programs
There is no cost to participate in a support or writing group.
Men affected by prostate cancer can find counseling, emotional support, information and a chance to meet others. Participation is free, and people may join any time. Family members are welcome.
Groups begin with introductions and announcements. When speakers attend, they speak for about 45 minutes and then take questions. The last half-hour is saved for participant discussion.
When: 5 to 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month
Where:
Rood Family Pavilion Conference Center rooms B and C
3140 S. Bond Ave.
Portland, OR 97239
Map
- Entrance on ground level
- Parking in Rood Family Pavilion garage, levels 3 and 4
Facilitators:
- Peter Bennett, LCSW, oncology social worker
- Rachel Slottke, clinical research project coordinator, prostate cancer research
- Justina Lynch, RN, nurse coordinator, prostate cancer clinic
Contact: Peter Bennett at 503-418-3544 orbennetpe@ohsu.edu
This program connects prostate cancer patients by telephone with a volunteer, who may have had a similar experience, to listen and offer support. To be connected with a volunteer, call 503-494-4393.
OHSU provides a free support group for adults with brain tumors. Caregivers are also welcome.
You can talk with others facing similar challenges. In addition, medical and social work providers from OHSU will present information on a variety of topics. They will also be available to answer questions on:
- Physical and emotional issues
- Treatment side effects
- Coping strategies
This group will meet online only through May:
- 10-11 a.m. April 21 and May 5
Register: Email BTSG@ohsu.edu, and we’ll send you a link with instructions on how to join.
Registration is required.
When: 2 to 4 p.m. Fridays
Where:
Center for Health & Healing Building 2
3485 S. Bond Ave.
Portland, OR 97239
Facilitator and contact: Ryan Voelker at voelkerr@ohsu.edu
When: 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays
Where:
Center for Health & Healing Building 2
3485 S. Bond Ave.
Portland, OR 97239
Facilitator and contact: Dawn Thompson at dawnrenethompson@gmail.com
This group is for people ages 15 to 39. Workshops use the Amherst Writers & Artists method to create a safe, relaxed, confidential and uplifting environment to connect with yourself and others through the written word. This is not a workshop where you will learn to write, but you do not need writing experience to participate.
When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays
Where:
Center for Health & Healing Building 2
3485 S. Bond Ave.
Portland, OR 97239
Facilitator and contact: Brianna Barrett at brianna@bribarrett.com
Patient education
The Infusing Knowledge class will help you and your family understand what to expect during chemotherapy and immunotherapy. It includes an overview of our nutrition services. Registration is required.
When: 9:30 to 11 a.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays
Where:
Center for Health & Healing Building 2
3485 S. Bond Ave.
Portland, OR 97239
Contact: Ask your care team.
The Pre-Transplant Education Class is for patients and families preparing for an autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplant.
Where:
Center for Health & Healing Building 2
3485 S. Bond Ave.
Portland, OR 97239
Contact: Your care team or 503-494-5058
Mindfulness and yoga classes
Adults healing from cancer, and their caregivers, are welcome to attend.
When: 10-11 a.m. every Thursday and Friday
Where:
Kohler Pavilion, 13th floor
808 S.W. Campus Drive
Portland, OR 97239
Map and directions
Cost: Free
Facilitator and contact: Kimberly Carson, M.P.H., C-IAYT, at 503-245-9642 or carsonk@ohsu.edu
This course is based on a national model and decades of research showing mindfulness can help cancer patients reduce pain, fatigue and anxiety while improving sleep and quality of life. Classes include instruction, practice, group discussions and education. Participants receive a workbook and recordings for home practice. Adults healing from cancer, and their caregivers, are welcome to attend.
When: Eight-week sessions begin in January, March and September.
Where:
Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center
Women’s Wellness Center Classroom, Building 2, lower level
1015 N.W. 22nd Ave.
Portland, OR 97210
Cost: $150 (reduced from $400 thanks to a generous donation)
Facilitator and contact: Kimberly Carson, M.P.H., C-IAYT, at 503-245-9642 or carsonk@ohsu.edu
This class welcomes adults who are healing from cancer and who are at least six weeks post-surgery. Participants will find a supportive environment for gentle stretching, breathing exercises, strength building and deep relaxation with guided imagery. Signed registration and release forms (links below) are required.
When: 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Thursdays
Where:
OHSU School of Nursing, first floor yoga studio, Room 134
3455 S.W. U.S. Veterans Hospital Road
Portland, OR 97239
Map and directions
Cost: First year free; participants may pay a nominal fee after that.
Facilitator: Kimberly Carson, M.P.H., C-IAYT
Contact: Kimberly Carson, M.P.H., C-IAYT, at 503-245-9642 or carsonk@ohsu.edu
Registration and release forms: Please have these forms completed by your oncologist and sent to Kimberly Carson at carsonk@ohsu.edu
Patient advocacy
Prostate Cancer Patient Advocacy Group: This group of patients works to increase research and awareness across Oregon through fundraising and legislative and educational efforts. To get involved, call 503-494-4393.
Learn more
Call Caroline Macuiba, who supervises our adult oncology social work team, at 503-418-9758.
Read about our cancer social work services.