While cancer victims may turn to family and friends for support as they battle their disease, support groups can provide valuable assistance, too. Talking to others who face the same challenges can help a cancer patient learn through others’ experience and fight feelings of isolation and helplessness.
Your doctor should be able to refer you to a local support group that can help you. In Upstate New York, you may also find help going to the following sources:
New York State Department of Health Cancer Services
This is a county-by-county listing of programs and services, including support services. You can also call (866) 442-CANCER for local information.
Cancer Services Resource Directory
This is a resource provided by The Capital Region Cancer Care Consortium, containing a list of support groups and other services throughout Albany, Schenectady and Rensselaer counties.
American Cancer Society HopeClub
One Penny Lane
Latham, NY 12110
(800) 227-2345
This organization strives to be a “warm and welcoming place” providing a variety of support activities, from yoga classes to meetings of the Men To Men Prostate Cancer Support Group. It also holds fundraisers throughout the year, including the popular “A Night in Tuscany” event. The organization features the Harold L. Bloch Cancer Resource Center.
American Lung Association of the Northeast
3 Winners Circle
Albany, NY 12205
(518) 453-0172
The chapter provides information and support programs, including workshops.
296 Hackett Blvd.
Albany, NY 12208
(518) 438-1212
Within a short walk from St. Peter’s Hospital, Becky’s House offers lodging for those who must travel to Albany for cancer treatment. It also hosts daytime guests, giving them a chance to get away from the hospital, relax and enjoy others’ fellowship.
Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (Albany Chapter)
One Penny Lane
Latham, NY 12110
(518) 858-7499
The chapter’s mission is to raise awareness about bladder cancer in the Capital Region, advance research and provide support services throughout the community. Support group meetings are held the last Monday of each month.
19 Cambridge Road
Albany, NY 12203
(518) 454-2064
This “oncology camp for women” provides weekend retreats for women who are dealing with cancer.
Capital Region Action Against Breast Cancer (CRAAB)
125 Wolf Road, Suite 124
Albany, NY 12205
(518) 435-1055
Started in 1997, this organization compares itself to the crab symbol it has adopted: Its members and volunteers “move quickly and in several directions” to respond to issues that relate to breast cancer. CRAAB engages in a broad range of education, support and advocacy activities.
P.O. Box 12383
Albany, NY 12212
(518) 783-7600
This group is dedicated to providing support and education to ovarian cancer patients and their families and raising awareness about the disease. Its activities include support group meetings on the second Wednesday of each month and a run/walk fundraiser (most recently held at Albany’s Washington Park).
27 Southwood Drive
Ballston Lake, NY 12019
(518) 877-7539
The Catie Hoch Foundation helps children to “take a break from cancer” while they are undergoing treatment.
Lung Cancer Alliance (Capital Region)
24 Warren Street
Albany, NY 12203
(518) 482-3142
This chapter not only provides in-person support but also online and phone support services for those dealing with lung cancer.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (Upstate New York/Vermont Chapter)
5 Computer Drive West, Suite 100
Albany, NY 12205
(518) 438-3583
The chapter is committed to improving the lives of those with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma. Its services include the Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program for those recently diagnosed with blood cancer, the Trish Greene Back-to-School Program for children with cancer and a variety of in-person, telephone and online support services.
Pink Therapy Breast Cancer Survivors Group
Crouse Hospital (Marley Education Center)
765 Irving Ave.
Syracuse, NY 13210
(315) 472-2464
This ongoing breast cancer support group meets the fourth Tuesday of every month. Meetings combine physical fitness activities with discussion and regularly feature guest speakers.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure (Northeastern New York Affiliate)
P.O. Box 13535
Albany, NY 12212
(518) 250-5379
This is a local chapter of one of the nation’s leading support, education and research advocacy groups for those with breast cancer and their families.
To Life! Breast Cancer and Women’s Health Education & Support
410 Kenwood Avenue
Delmar, NY 12054
(518) 439-5975
110 Spring Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 587-3820
This organization was founded in 1998. It provides services to breast cancer patients and their caregivers within a 10-county area, including workshops, support groups and education classes.
Source: New York State Cancer Registry
