Workshops and Support Groups

Below you will find details of each of our workshops and support groups. Workshops & support groups are provided by Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute staff and the Maxwell V. Blum Cancer Resource Program. 

For the most up-to-date program listings and information, view our online calendar.

Workshops

All are welcome. No registration is required unless otherwise noted.

Lung Cancer Forum
The Lung Cancer Forum is a monthly, interactive educational series by medical experts on a variety of topics related to lung cancer, designed for lung cancer patients, survivors, loved ones, caregivers, and health care professionals. Learn more here.
This group is offered by the Massachusetts General Hospital Division of Thoracic Surgery
Contact: Lung Cancer Forum Coordinator Alison Frazee at (617) 726-1967 or wlcpforum@partners.org

Managing Life After Cancer: Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) for Cancer Survivors
This 8-9 week program is designed to help cancer patients cope with the many emotional, social and physical challenges that emerge after cancer treatment. Learn more here or contact mghsurvivorship@partners.org.

Support Groups

All support groups are offered free of charge and require pre-registration, unless otherwise noted.

Brain Tumor Support Group - Online
This support and educational group is for brain tumor patients and their loved ones.
Contact: Scheïnda Rene, Oncology Social Worker at 617-726-1061

Couples Living with Advanced Cancer Support Group - Now Online
This group is for couples living with advanced cancer who seek encouragement and comfort from others who share a common experience. Preference will be given to Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute patients but others are welcome to inquire.
Contact: Nova Hodge, Oncology Social Worker, (617) 643-7697

Head and Neck Cancer Support Group – Online
This group is for Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute patients with head and neck cancer. It offers a safe space to connect with others facing similar challenges.
Contact: Allie Giza, Oncology Social Worker, 617- 643-6438 or agiza@mgh.harvard.edu

Smokefree Support Group - Online
The Smokefree Support Service is launching its first support group on Tuesday April 29th at 5pm via Zoom. Patients can self-refer by email: mghccsmokefree@partners.org, phone: 617-724-2445, or online.
Providers can place an e-consult in Epic, select ‘Ambulatory referral to MGH Oncology Smoking Cessation (Cancer Institute) and note group interest in the referral.

Stage IV Breast Cancer Support Group – Online
This monthly support group is for Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute patients with metastatic breast cancer. The group is currently on hold and planning to restart in the coming months. If you are interested in joining, please contact the group leader.
Contact: Emily Doerr, Oncology Social Worker, 617-724-3956

Writing the Road to Wellness – Online
This virtual group will combine the therapeutic benefits of expressive writing within a support group setting. Cancer patients and survivors will be given the opportunity to connect with others and practice different expressive writing techniques to help enhance cognitive processing, reduce stress, and make meaning of your story. This group is offered annually, starting up in January, spanning 8 weeks. To register for this group, please complete this survey.
Contact: If you have additional questions about this group, please contact group leader, Kiersten Anderson, MSW, LICSW at mgccnwhsupportgroups@partners.org

Young Adult Brain Tumor Support Group – Online
This virtual group is open to patients between the ages of 18-40 who have a brain tumor. Find support from other young adults. For more information, please reach out to the group leader.
Contact: Scheïnda Rene, Oncology Social Worker at 617-726-1061

Sponsored Organization Support Groups

Support for People with Oral, Head, and Neck Cancers (SPOHNC)
Providing information, support, and encouragement to individuals, empowering them with the knowledge necessary to go forward. Call for more information.
Contact: Valerie Goldstein, (781) 444-0487, vhopegold@gmail.com

Thyroid Cancer Support Group
The group welcomes people at all phases of testing, treatment, and follow-up for thyroid cancer, as well as their family members and friends.
Contact: Judy Kaplan, (781) 488-3135, Boston_MA@thyca.org

Additional Supportive Care Services

Bone Marrow Transplant Support
If you or your loved one is receiving bone marrow transplant, our staff members are available to you to talk about your concerns.
Contact: Jen D’Alotto, Oncology Social Worker, (617) 724-0596, Stephanie Guro, Oncology Social Worker, (617) 724-4939, or Eric Hanson, Oncology Social Worker, (617) 643-7435

Parenting With Cancer
Gain support and information about helping the children in your life cope with a parent’s cancer. For a free one-on-one consultation with one of our child psychiatrists or child psychologists, contact the Marjorie E. Korff Parenting at a Challenging Time Program (PACT).
Contact: PACT, (617) 724-7272

Young Adults With Cancer (ages 20–40)
Young adults dealing with or moving past cancer may have questions or worries, and don’t know where to turn. Our oncology social worker can help answer questions or guide young patients to the proper resources. Learn more about the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program.