Cancer Support Groups

Getting the emotional support you need, whether you are the person with cancer or a caregiver or loved one, is an essential part of coping with the stress inherent in the cancer journey.

Cancer Support Groups at Torrance Memorial

Cancer Survivor, Caregiver and Family Support Group

A gathering of cancer survivors and their loved ones sharing stories, healing and learning new tools to cope with life's changes. Facilitated by Kathy Calderone Lacey, NP, MFT. Meets every Monday at 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the West Tower. Free and no reservations necessary. For more information call the Cancer Resource Center at 310-517-4665. The 1st meeting of each month includes a lecture on a cancer-related topic. Dates and topics in 2013:

Women's Cancer Survivorship Support Group

A gathering of women that offers an opportunity to share stories, gather information and be surrounded by others who have embarked on a similar journey of healing. Facilitated by Kathy Calderon Lacey, NP, MFT, every Tuesday at 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the West Tower. Free and no reservations needed. For more information call the Cancer Resource Center at 310-517-4665.

Caregiver Support Group

An ongoing support group to provide information, nurturing, and companionship to those providing care for a family member or friend. Caregivers are welcome to come alone or with someone they care about. Led by a licensed social worker, the group meets every Tuesday 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the Health Conference Center. The first session is free, each session thereafter is $1.00 per class. Call the ADVANTAGE Healthline at 310-517-4666 for more information and meeting room location.

Family Cancer Support Group

A drop-in group for family members and loved ones of hospitalized cancer patients to help them cope with the challenges of a loved one undergoing cancer treatment. No reservations or registration is required. Free and open to anyone who has a loved one with cancer. Facilitated by Kathy Calderon Lacey, NP, MFT, every Monday, 3:30-5 p.m., in the 2 North Lemkin Pavilion Family Room. For more information call the Cancer Resource Center at 310-517-4665.

Lymphedema Discussion Group

A support group for persons with lymphedema, which is swelling from abnormal fluid accumulation. Lymphedema can be caused by medical conditions, treatment or be congenital. The group offers an opportunity to meet Torrance Memorial lymphedema therapists, learn more about lymphedema therapy and connect with others who are coping with the condition. Meets the last Tuesday of each month 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. in the West Tower room C. No meetings in August or December. Free and open to anyone. No reservations necessary.

Bereavement Support Groups and Services

Offered through Torrance Memorial Hospice.

Cancer Support Groups in the Community

Cancer Support Community Redondo Beach

Formerly known as The Wellness Community of the South Bay, the Cancer Support Community is an international non-profit cancer support organization with a center in Redondo Beach. The Cancer Support Community offers a host of free programs including support groups, classes and wellness workshops to aid cancer patients and their loved ones. Spanish-speaking support group also available. For more information, call The Cancer Support Community at 310-376-3550.

Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology

The Simms/Mann Center at UCLA offers a variety of cancer support groups at the Westwood campus.

Harbor-UCLA Medical Center

Refugio is a Spanish-speaking breast cancer support group at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. The group is sponsored by the YWCA and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Meets Tuesdays 9 a.m. to noon, 1124 W. Carson Street, Torrance in Trailer N-24. Call 310-547-0831 for more information.

Web-Based Support Groups

Many cancer support groups for patients and loved ones can be found at cancer information sites on the internet. CancerCare offers an array of internet-based support groups that are facilitated by professional oncology social workers.