Support Groups (Cancer)

Support groups may be offered at the Cancer Centres in Halifax and Sydney, and in the community where you live.  These groups may be held in person, through virtual care or online.  

Some cancer support groups are for patients and others are for family and/or friends of the patient.

Groups may be led by a health care professional or by cancer patients and/or survivors.  

It may help to talk with the person running the group to see if the group offers what you need. You want to find a group that works for you and where you feel comfortable to talk about what you think and feel.  

If you want to talk to someone who has had the same kind of cancer you have you can contact the Canadian Cancer Society to be matched with a Cancer Connection volunteer.  They also have information about support groups in your area.  You can reach them by email or phone using the contact information for Canadian Cancer Society below.

For more information about support groups in your area please contact:

• Psychosocial Oncology Referral Line (Halifax and Province-wide) 902-240-8129
• Sydney and surrounding areas 902-567-8551
• Antigonish area - 902-867-4500 ext. 4993.
• Yarmouth area – email  CancerCareProgramYRH@nshealth.ca.
• South Shore or Valley area - 902-599-2945.
• All other areas please call 1-866-524-1234 to access your Cancer Patient Navigator.
• Canadian Cancer Society: 1-888-939-3333 or visit https://www.cancerconnection.ca/.
• Wellspring Cancer Support:  1-877-499-9904 or visit wellspring.ca

If searching for a support group or cancer information on-line, please be sure to look at trusted sites such as cancer agencies and those listed above.