Accommodation for Patients and Kin  -  Affordable Treatment for Poor Patients  -  Cancer Hospitals in India  -  Counselling and Rehabilitation for Patients  -  Crowdfunding for Treatment Costs  -  Financial Help for Needy Patients  -  Free Food for Patients and Kin  -  Genetic Testing to Check Susceptibility  -  Govt Schemes for Cancer Treatment   -  Inspirational Books by Cancer Survivors  -  Integrative Holistic Cancer Care  -  Subsidised Medicines Prosthesis Wigs  -  Palliative Care for Terminal Patients  -  Second Opinion on Cancer Diagnosis  -  Support Groups for Cancer Patients  -  Vaccination to Protect from Cervical Cancer  -  

Support groups help in coping with feelings of depression...

Right from the time of diagnosis and onwards during the prolonged treatment stage, cancer patients are beset with feelings of depression and anxiety. There is a fear of the unknown and a sense of vacuum. At this time, emotional support from family members is vital so that morale and self-confidence of the patient remains high.

Support groups supplement the emotional backing provided by the family members. Usually such groups include patients undergoing treatment, cured patients as well as counsellors. Support groups and counselling services are active in many cities of India.

Join a support group in your city for motivation & guidance...

The groups meet regularly at a designated place and members interact with each other. Cancer survivors tell their stories as to how they conquered the disease. The sessions of support groups act as a good source of motivation and self-help.

With similar problems and concerns, members of the groups bond together in empathy. Seeing other men and women, who have completed their treatment and are fine now, gives an immense moral boost to those undergoing treatment, apart from the guidance and tips during the treatment phase.

Ahmedabad Aurangabad Bangalore Bhopal Bhubhaneswar Chandigarh Chennai Coimbatore Delhi Dharwad Guwahati Hyderabad Indore Jaipur J&K Kanpur Kolkata Kozhikode Mangalore Mumbai Patna Pune Ranchi Raipur

Friends of Max (FOM)

FOM is a support group for patients of CML (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia) and GIST (Gastro Intestinal Stromal Tumor). In these cities, interactive patient workshops are held where patients and families meet to share and learn skills to manage. Physicians and oncologists join patients & caregivers for one-on-one interactions.

82912 03943

FOM chapters in various cities

Ahmedabad      Raipur      Agartala

'Cancer Winners Club' of CBCC Hospitals

When a new patient joins 'Comprehensive Blood & Cancer Centre' (CBCC) hospitals, he or she is informed contact details of a cancer survivor hailing from the patient's village/town. Through regular interaction, the cancer survivor motivates and guides the new patient.

204, 2nd Floor, Radhe Fortune Mall, Sardar Patel Ring Road, GIDC Bhat, Gandhinagar 382424

Ahmedabad: 079-618 06600. Raipur: 0771-406 1010, 408 1010, 73899 04010. Agartala: 60097 85522

Form to join the Club

All India

'Sahyog' Program for Prostrate Cancer Patients by Dr Reddy's Labs Ltd

This is a patient support program that offers information, support and advice to prostate cancer patients. Services provided include doctor visit reminders, health and diet tips, diagnostic support and information guides.

1800-425-0014 (Mon to Fri, 8 am to 6 pm)

Web Page

Bangalore

'Pink Hope Patient Support Group' by HCG Foundation

This group helps women suffering from breast cancer to overcome their fear of the disease and assists them to cope with the difficult treatment. Cancer survivors help patients overcome the emotional and physical trauma, by sharing their experiences.

Ground Floor, Tower Block, Unity Building Complex, Mission Road,
Bangalore 560027

080-4660 7759, 4660 7760

hcgfoundation.org/pink-hope/

Bangalore

Connect to Heal Cancer Foundation

This is a cancer support group that meets twice a month. The patient can share his or her experience and in turn receive counselling, emotional support, coping with fear & hopelessness etc. Caregivers are empowered to deal with patients.

132, 2nd Cross, 4th Main, HAL 3rd Stage, Bengaluru 560075

94498 21445, 80252 81445, 77957 79779, 99805 66805

www.connecttoheal.org

Bangalore

Saahasa

Saahasa brings cancer patients, caregivers and survivors together. At this group, survivors show that cancer can be fought and defeated - medically, emotionally and physically.

Cytecare Cancer Hospitals, Venkatala, Near Bagalur Cross, BSF Campus, Yelahanka, Bangalore 560064

080-2217 6767

Web Page

Bhopal

'Brain Tumor Support Group' by BTSG Awareness Foundation

They provide psychological support and counselling for those with newly diagnosed brain tumors, for those undergoing treatment and those who have completed the treatment. Monthly meetings are held with patients and care givers. Also patients are guided on appropriate neurosurgical facilities for treatment

Chamber Nos 3 & 4, First floor, Mahendra Medisquare, Bawadia Kalan,
Rohit Nagar, Bhopal 462039

0755-242 7804, 78800 83005

btsgfoundation.in

Calicut Coimbatore Kochi Kottayam Madurai

Parent Support Group of 'Aroh - Giving Hope'

This is an NGO for children with cancer. The support group provides psycho-social support to its members. Also provide provide counselling to the parents and children whenever necessary.

House No 57, 2nd Street, Sri Lakshmi Nagar, Ganapathy PO, Coimbatore 641006

90038 88881, 99526 34484

Contact Nos in various cities

Chandigarh

Chandigarh Breast Cancer Trust

They have a group of survivors who visit PGI-Chandigarh on the 2 days of each week & these are the days when chemotherapy is carried out. They provide emotional & moral support by talking to each and every cancer patient.

65 Industrial Area, Phase-1, Chandigarh 160002

98140 32017

chandigarhbreastcancertrust.org

Chennai

'Cancer Winner's Club' by Sankalp Beautiful World

This Club seeks to provide right guidance to new patients through cured patients. On registration, new patients living in any part of Tamil Nadu will be connected with cancer winners living in the same area. The winners will motivate, encourage and guide the patients towards a healthy state of body and mind.

82, 4th Main Rd, Jayaram Nagar, Kolathur, Chennai 600099

78258 88000

Registration form to join the group

Chennai

Apollo Cancer Support Group

This group brings together like-minded people who would like to provide and receive cancer-related education as well as emotional and social support. Caregivers, counsellors, patients undergoing treatment, survivors, friends and family of patients are all welcome to join.

Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, 4/661, Dr Vikram Sarabai Instronic Estate, 7th St,
Dr. Vasi Estate, Phase II, Tharamani, Chennai 600041

73389 92222

www.apollohospitals.com/proton-therapy/cancer-support-group/

Chennai

Cancer Support Groups at Adyar Cancer Institute

Following groups meet once a month at the Institute for group counseling and
psycho-educational support:
(a) 'Smile' for children with cancer and their families
(b) 'Sakhi' for breast cancer patients
(c) 'Laryngectomees Welfare Association' for the larynx cancer patients.

38 Sardar Patel Road, Adjacent to IIT Madras, Adyar, Chennai 600036

044-2220 9150

cancerinstitutewia.in

Chennai

Indian Prostrate Cancer Foundation

They facilitate interactions between those afflicted with prostate cancer through meetings held regularly every month. If you would like to be part of this group, send an email to them for registration.

14/16, C.I.T Colony, 1st Cross Street, Mylapore, Chennai 600004

044-4356 3939, 97908 88540

www.indianprostatecancerfoundation.com

Coimbatore

Coimbatore Cancer Foundation

4 support groups meet regularly at Sangamam Hall, V N Cancer Centre. They are Cervical Cancer Support Group, Breast Cancer Support Group and Paediatric Cancer Support Group. Psycho-social support is provided to patients and their caregivers. Counsellors improve coping skills by inviting doctors, dieticians, physiotherapists.

1435, Trichy Road, Near Ellargi Petrol Bunk,Coimbatore 641018

0422-450 4646

Web Page

Coimbatore

Aroh

This is an NGO for childhood cancer. Their strong 'Parent Support Group' empowers and supports its members. Provide counselling to the parents and children as needed. Their psychologist and trained volunteers are available to render the much-needed emotional support to the members.

House No 57, 2nd Street, Sri Lakshmi Nagar, Ganapathy PO, Coimbatore 641006

0422-421 0246, 90038 88881, 99526 34484

arohonline.org

Dehradun

Anandi Sheroes

This is a cancer patient support group that allows patients to share experiences through specially designed programmes Sparsh, Nari, Nayi Shuruwat and Shakti. It also spreads awareness on prevention, supportive care,and palliative care.

Majri Mafi Mohkanpur, Dehradun 248005

Sarika Rana

99110 37929

Facebook Page

Delhi-NCR

Breast Cancer Support Group of India

They organise meetings for their members which are addressed by motivational speakers as well as by oncologists. The group is supported by Team Oncology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, Delhi 110092.

Dr. Geeta Kadayaprath

Facebook Page

Delhi-NCR

Cheers to Life Foundation

At this support group cancer patients and survivors share best practices and overcome life challenges by supporting each other. The emphasis is on preventive measures via nutrition and healthy lifestyle. Patients receive moral and psychological support to heal and fight against cancer.

C 102, Street 8, Phase 2, Chattarpur Enclave, New Delhi 110074

011-6510 1135, 98712 61422

Facebook Page

Delhi-NCR

Hausla

'Hausla’ brings together cancer patients from across the city to share their experiences and be a source of strength for each other. This interdependence of patients encourages sharing of struggles and life events. The fight against cancer is fought as much in the mind as in the body and boosting the mental efforts also pays off physically.

Paras Hospitals, C-1, Sushant Lok- 1, Sector-43, Phase- I, Gurugram 122002

0124-458 5555

Web Page

Delhi-NCR

Laryngectomee Club of India

Every year Oesophageal speech training camps are organized where laryngectomees are guided how to learn & improve their Oesophageal voice. Those laryngectomees who are unable to learn and improve their Oesophageal speech are provided artificial Electronic Larynx instrument made in India.

F-11A, (G-8 Area) MIG Flat, Near Hari Nagar Clock Tower, New Delhi 110064

011-2512 7049, 2512 5843

laryngectomeeclubindia.org/

Delhi-NCR

Lymphoma Suport Group India

This support group meets every Monday. Provides emotional and social support to the Lymphoma patients as well as compassionate support to care givers and family members.

D-21, DDA Colony, West Gorakpark Extn, New Jafarabad, Shahdara, Delhi 110032

85278 66569, 011-2282 6797

lymphomaindia.com

Delhi-NCR (Gurgaon)

Happiness Surrounds Us

This support group currently has 120+ cancer warriors. Members provide each other with positive outlook, faith and strength to manage the phases of diagnosis, treatment and post-treatment successfully and happily. Most of the members are in younger age bracket. This helps resolve queries of females in the age group of 30s to 50s.

88000 07990

yes2life.in

Delhi-NCR (Gurgaon)

Umang - The Fortis Breast Cancer Support Group

This initiative is to bring together people who have successfully won their battle against breast cancer with those who are currently fighting it.

Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Sector - 44, Opposite HUDA City Centre, Gurgaon 122002

88600 22554

Web Page

Dimapur (Nagaland)

Beyond Cancer

The group has about 100 members consisting of patients, survivors and caregivers. They gather once a month to share their experiences and to listen to talks by Oncology professionals.

Diphupar B, Dimapur, Nagaland 797115

Ahimsa Zhimo

Facebook Page

Goa

Muskan

This is a support group of cancer patients and survivors. Muskaan's aim is to dispel myths about cancer and to ensure that patients understand surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immune therapy.

21/140 Alto Nagally, Near Chowgule Bungalow, Dona Paula, Goa 403004

Babita Agarwal: 93261 10899, Dr Sharmila Sardesai Correa: 98903 28712

Hyderabad

'Don't Fight Alone' Support Group by KIMS Oncology Center of Excellence

Led by doctors, counselors and social bodies, this support group is a platform for the cancer survivors and patients to meet, exchange information, motivate, inspire and manage each other's emotions & concerns.

1-8-31/1, Minister Rd., Krishna Nagar Colony, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500003

040-4632 4365

www.kimshospitals.com/secunderabad/

Hyderabad

'I Survive’ Support Group by Malla Reddy Cancer Hospital

The patient support group is a forum for patients to inform, discuss, share experiences and seek help in their fight against cancer. Cancer survivors and their family members will get ‘I Survive Card’ that offers lifetime discounts for checkups, tests and bed charges.

1-1-216, Suraram X Roads, Jeedimetla, Venketarama Colony, Beside Malla Reddy College, Suraram, Hyderabad 500055

87903 87903

Facebook Page

Kolkata

Head-and-Neck Cancer Support Group

The group meets every Saturday in the presence of doctors. Comprises cancer survivors and those still battling the disease, with the survivors motivating the afflicted.

Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, 120/1, Andul Rd, Near Nabanna, Shibpur, Howrah 711103

1860-208-0208

Web Page

Kolkata

Hitaishini

Support group for breast cancer patients. Its member-volunteers are composed of breast cancer survivors and socially committed women. Provides psychological, emotional, medicinal and rehabilitative support to women afflicted with breast cancer.

CD-54, Salt Lake, Sector-1, Kolkata 700064

98315 93568, 94334 27915, 98303 03362, 98362 97296

www.hitaishini.com

Kolkata

Support for Colon Cancer Patients by 'Cancer Fight Foundation'

Every Friday they conduct Stoma Clinic for patients at Saroj Cancer & Research Institute. The patients are counselled and trained on stoma health and one-to-one consultation is also held with them and their family members. Each patient is monitored on a regular basis.

90734 91409

Facebook Page

Lucknow

Breast Cancer Support Group

This group covers all those who receive treatment in King George Medical University and meets on first Wednesday of every month. Cancer survivors provide motivation as well as discuss post breast-removal issues with patients.

7th Floor, Shatabdi Hospital, Phase II, King George’s Medical University,
Shah Mina Road, Chowk, Lucknow 226003

94150 07391, 0522-231 0236 (R)

lbcsg.com

Mohali

Saarthak, the Cancer Support Group of Fortis Hospital, Mohali

Meetings are held at the hospital and are attended by cancer patients, survivors and their family members. Doctors from medical oncology, surgery and physiotherapy address the group at the meetings.

Fortis Hospital, Sector 62, Phase - VIII, Mohali 160062, Punjab

Meena Batta: 97800 09785

Web Page

Mumbai

'Chemotherapy Care Unit' (CCU) by Tata Memorial Hospital

This unit provides support over telephone to patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. Most of the patients leave Mumbai for their hometowns after chemotherapy and before leaving they are given the CCU helpline number. If the patients experience any distress or major/minor side effects, they need to call the number which is attended to by trained nurses operating in 3 shifts.

Mumbai

'Nanavati Max Saathi’ of Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital

This is a dedicated cancer support group to share knowledge between cancer survivors, those recently detected with the disease and renowned cancer specialists. Also addressed is the psychological aspect.

S.V.Road, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai 400056

022-6836 0000, 2626 7500

nanavatimaxhospital.org

Mumbai

'Patient Sarcoma Group' (PSG) by KARO Trust

This support group for Ewing's Sarcoma patients has been set up in association with Tata Hospital and local NGOs. In the PSG meetings, doctors, medical social workers and NGOs congregate to guide patients through their treatments and other related issues.

414 Empire Complex, Empire Mills, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel,
Mumbai 400013

022-6655 5463, 91366 63637

karo.org.in

Mumbai

'We Can' Cancer Support Group

This support group meets on third Friday of every month at noon at the Convention Centre of Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai. All cancer survivors, patients and caregivers are welcome, including patients who undergo treatment at other hospitals. To join please send us an email to the email ID below.

Prarthana Samaj, Girgaon, Mumbai 400004.

Dr Prasad Raj Dandekar, Convener: 90044 04468

https://drprasadraj.com/cancer-support-group/

Mumbai

Myeloma Friends Charitable Trust

Dedicated specifically to the cause of Multiple Myeloma, this organization aims at providing support to the patients and their families via education and awareness.

116, Blue Rose Industrial Estate, Next to Western Edge Mall, Off W.E.Highway, Borivali (E), Mumbai 400066

98673 38814

myelomafriends.org

Mumbai

Parent Support Group of ImPaCCT Foundation

Non-formal meetings are held every month with all the parents of children undergoing treatment at Tata Memorial Hospital. Parents are briefed on Cancer and their queries are addressed.

Pediatric Oncology, Room 82, Main Bldg, Ground Floor, Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai 400012

91678 80255, 022-2417 7220

impacctfoundation.com

Mumbai

Sanjeevani-Life Beyond Cancer

Conduct monthly Support Group meetings for cancer patients and their caregivers during which Doctors, social workers and counsellors are present.

86910 00800

www.sanjeevani-lifebeyondcancer.com

Mumbai

Ugam

This is a voluntary support group which has been formed by childhood cancer survivors. The group helps childhood cancer survivors to build up their life from ground zero & live life like normal human beings.

Shekhar Jha

89835 63180

Web Page

Mumbai

unCancer India

This is a group of mentors who will connect with cancer patients and/or caregivers to provide guidance in tackling the challenge of cancer. The aim is to secure a positive outcome.

Room No 304, Incubation Centre, Tata Institute of Social Sciences,
V.N. Purav Marg, Deonar, Mumbai 400088

84548 22747, Whatsapp: 90040 81343

Facebook Page

Online

Cancer Power Circle

This is an online support group for patients for all types of cancers. They will be holding online meetings of members regularly. This support circle has been promoted by 'PatientsEngage' which is a patent/caregiver focused healthcare platform for supporting the management of chronic diseases.

Dr Shital Patel

Facebook Page

Online

Carcinoid and Neuroendocrine Tumor Society India (CNETS India)

CNETS India provides an an online helpline and resource for patients of Neoendocrine tumours and their caregivers all over India. Patients may subscribe to join the support group which enables meeting others virtually who had similar experiences and can provide reassurance and support.

Facebook Page

Online

Hausla Cancer Support Group

Hausla motivates cancer patients and supports survivors emotionally, physically and mentally. Promoted by Grameen Sneh Foundation, a national level NGO, Hausla motivates cancer patients and survivors and is a sustainable and informative campaign against cancer

0120-433 6857

Facebook Page

Online

India Teal Warriors

This is an ovarian cancer support group launched by Ritu Bedi, an inspiring survivor of ovarian cancer. Conduct events on awareness, rehabilitation etc. Followers of the site are encouraged to post their experiences in fighting ovarian cancer.

Facebook Page

Online

Lung Connect

This is a lung cancer support group. Online discussions take place twice a month in Hindi, on their Facebook group (link below). Here lung cancer patients and caregivers exchange information on treatment, side effects and related matters.

73040 14717

Facebook Group

Online

Maitri- A Breast Cancer Support Group

An online community where breast cancer patients can share their journey, support others who are undergoing treatment, post questions and comments. On this platform you can find tried and tested tips, snippets and crucial advice that can hopefully smoothen the long and arduous journey for people affected by cancer.

Facebook Page

Online

Online Support Group by 'Breast Cancer India'

This is a platform for interaction between those suffering from this illness presently, their caregivers and breast cancer survivors who have braved this disease. To participate in discussions click on 'Join' adjacent to 'Breast Cancer India' heading on the link below.

93222 37630

Web Link

Online

PatientsEngage

This is an online platform for patients to share information & learn from each other. Patients are grouped under Communities and Cancer is one of the main Communities. The Community covers all forms of Cancer. Register on the site to start discussions, ask questions, share experiences on day-to-date issues and how they deal with them, discuss treatment regimens & side effects etc.

www.patientsengage.com/communities/cancer

Online

Yoddhas - The Warriors Group - Indians Fighting Against Cancer

An online support community for cancer fighters and survivors. Help Patients with
(a) Emotional & informational support by other patients and doctors (b) Motivation & inspiration (c) Basic Inquiry, discussions, sharing experiences, mental support.

99991 10600

Facebook Page

Pune

'Kamalnayan Bajaj Cancer Centre' of Ruby Hall Clinic

This centre is running 3 programs, namely, Breast Care Support Group (for breast Cancer patients), Stoma Association (for patients with stoma) and the Family Support Group (for family members of the patients). The first 2 groups meet once every two months, whereas the Family Support Group's meeting takes place every 4th Saturday of the month.

40, Sassoon Road, Pune 411001

020-6645 5573, 6645 5563, 2616 3391

rubyhallcancercentre.com/rehabilitation/index.html

Pune

'Pink Ribbon Support Group' by Prashanti Cancer Care Mission

The support group is open to all cancer patients, caregivers and volunteers. Objective is to make sure patients stay happy and positive. Alternative therapies, healing methods, relaxation therapies are introduced to the participants every month.

90756 42496

www.prashanticancercare.org/support-groups.html

Pune

Aastha Breast Cancer Support Group

This is a self-help group of breast cancer patients and survivors with similar problems and concerns. The group meets once a month on a Sunday in an open forum. Workshops, lectures by eminent doctors and other experts are also organised.

8, Geet Govind Apartments, Opp.Durga Café, Paud Road, Pune

75079 99270, 90110 62419

Facebook Page

Thrissur

'Colorectal Cancer Support Group' (CRCSG) by Pain and Palliative Care Society

This is led by an oncology social worker who provides emotional and practical support. Patients speak as to what it's like to live with this disease and share their own experiences and how they balance their treatment with family life, work and social activities.

Old District Hospital Building, Round East, Thrissur 680001

0487-232 2128

www.painandpalliativecarethrissur.org/colorectal-cancer-support-group.asp

Thrissur

Biannual Cancer Survivors' Meet at Amala Institute

Department of Oncology and Department of Medical Social Work together organize cancer survivors meet twice every year. This programme is a platform for the survivors to share their experiences related to their health issues.

Amala Nagar PO, Thrissur 680555

0487-230 4000, 230 4100

amalaims.org/hospital/freeships-concessions

Trivandrum

Pratyasha Cancer Children's Welfare Society

Under the aegis of Pediatric Oncology Division of Regional Cancer Centre, this support group has been formed. Psychological support is provided to afflicted children as well as families during the treatment regime and also afterwards.

St. George Line, SGLRA - 102, Kumarapuram, Medical College P.O,
Trivandrum 695011

0471-406 4264, 94006 19919

www.pratyasha4children.com