Breast Cancer Support Groups
*Please note that due to the current COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, support groups are not meeting in-person at this time. Please contact the in-person group facilitators or venues to find out about online meetings or other options.
Virtual Support Groups
Young Cancer Patients and Caregivers Online Mindfulness Classes
True North Treks just announced free, drop-in video mindfulness classes starting in April. These sessions will be taught by guides who typically lead outdoor treks in the wilderness.
When: 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month
Time: 4:30-5:30 pm (PST)
Balboa Park Holistic Wellness Center Virtual Breast Cancer Support Group
The next meeting is Tuesday, April 14 from 6-7:30pm.
Register and see schedule here.
Young Survival Coalition (YSC) Virtual Hangouts
Young adults with breast cancer can connect with others from the comfort of their own home. They can grow relationships with their peers who may share similar diagnoses, life experiences or treatment types.
F2F Virtual Hangout
Come one, come all! This general Virtual Hangout is meant to replicate our in-person Face2Face support networks. Each meeting is topic-driven by a peer lead and open to any person diagnosed with breast cancer age 40 and under.
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
YSC Virtual Hangout for Metastatic Thrivers
Join YSC’s Virtual Hangout for Metastatic Thrivers to talk with other metastatic young adults, ask questions, share your experience and make connections. This group is open only to young breast cancer thrivers who are managing stage IV breast cancer. The group is facilitated by Krista Nelson.
When: First Monday of the Month
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
YSC Virtual Hangout for African American Young Breast Cancer Survivors
YSC has partnered with For the Breast of Us to host a virtual hangout exclusively for our African-American Young Breast Cancer Survivors to meet with their peers. This group is peer led by Beth Goodman, Jasmine Souers, Micky Stewart, and Marissa Thomas.
When: Last Sunday of the Month
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
YSC Virtual Hangout for Male Co-Survivors
Sometimes you just need to hear what it’s like for other people. In this YSC Virtual Hangout, you can meet other guys supporting the survivors they love, just like you. For male co-survivors only. The group is facilitated by Barnaby Cook and Ryan Cassidy.
When: Last Tuesday of the Month
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
YSC Virtual Hangout for Mother Co-Survivors
Moms who care for their young adults diagnosed with breast cancer manage a delicate terrain of respecting boundaries. Come join moms to share in a confidential space with others who understand what it is like for your child to be living with breast cancer. This group is peer led by Melissa Bonsall.
When: Meets monthly
YSC Virtual Hangout for Healthcare Survivors
Young breast cancer survivors who are also healthcare providers – YSC has an online group for you! Come together with others familiar to wearing these two hats and share in a safe space. The group is facilitated by Erin Price.
When: Meets quarterly
Be Well Therapy Inc.
All classes are donation based/pay as you can, but if you are having financial difficulties, please enjoy the classes for free. To obtain log in information please click here.
Group Therapy/Support Group with Cindy
When: Sundays
Time: 2:15pm-3:15 pm (PST)
Yoga with Debbie and Olivia
When: Mondays
Time: 11:30am-12:30pm (PST)
Bilingual (English & Spanish) Yoga with Patricia
When: Mondays
Time: 5:30pm-6:30pm (PST)
Yoga with Lisa and Sandie
When: Tuesdays
Time: 12pm-1 pm (PST)
Restorative Yoga with Jessica
When: Wednesdays
Time: 7:30pm-8:30pm (PST)
Yoga with Mary and Deb
When: Thursdays
Time: 12pm-1pm (PST)
Yoga with Melissa
When: Saturdays
Time: 10am-11am (PST)
Yoga with Heidi and Jamie
When: Sundays
Time: 3:30pm-4:30pm (PST)
In-Person Support Groups (currently not meeting in-person, please contact about current availability)
Open to anyone who is living with breast cancer.
When: 2nd Tuesday of each month
Address:
2301 6th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92191
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Pre-registration is required.
Contact: Lisa Nicholson, L.Ac. (619)772-4002 (call or text) or preregister through Event Brite here.
Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion
Breast Cancer Support Group
When: 2nd & 4th Fridays of the month
Address:
Radiation Oncology, Conference Room
3075 Health Center Drive
San Diego, CA 92123
Time: 10 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Phone: (858) 939-5632
Sharp Grossmont Long Cancer Center
Breast Cancer Support Group – open to women in all stages of their breast cancer diagnosis except for those with metastatic disease.
When: 2nd & 4th Thursdays of the month
Address:
Sharp Grossmont Long Cancer Center – Conference Room
5555 Grossmont Center Drive
La Mesa, CA 91942
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
“Man Cave” Men’s Cancer Support Group – open to men in all stages of their cancer diagnosis.
When: 2nd Wednesday of each month
Address:
Sharp Grossmont Long Cancer Center – Conference Room
5555 Grossmont Center Drive
La Mesa, CA 91942
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Contact:
Linda Hutkin-Slade, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
619-740-5531
Conference room phone number:
619-740-4360
Kaiser Permanente
Breast Cancer Support Group
When: 4th Thursday of the month
Address:
Orcutt Administration Building, Room B—behind Zion Medical Center
4511 Orcutt Avenue
San Diego, CA 92120
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
UCSD Moores Cancer Center
Breast Cancer Patient Education and Support
When: Third Wednesday of each month (no group in December) *group subject to change in 2020*
Address:
UCSD Moores Cancer Center, Goldberg Auditorium (follow signs)
3855 Health Sciences Dr
La Jolla, CA 92093
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Contact: Laurie Knight, LCSW facilitator 858-249-3166
Scripps Memorial Hospital
Scripps Encinitas Breast Cancer Support Group (Breast Cancer Support Group for men and women who are going through or have completed breast cancer treatment.)
When: 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month
Address:
Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas
354 Santa Fe Drive
Encinitas, California 92024
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Scripps Mercy Chula Vista
Breast Cancer Support Group
When: 1st & 3rd Monday of every month
Address:
Scripps Mercy Well Being Center
237 Church Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Phone: (619) 862-6600
E-mail: pacheco.shirley@scrippshealth.org
Breast Cancer Support Group in Mandarin
When: 2nd Saturday of every month
Address:
Herald Christian Center
4282 Genesee Avenue., Ste 102
San Diego, CA 92117
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
RSVP: (858) 598-6875
General Cancer Support Groups
General Cancer Support Group
Address:
Kaiser Permanente San Marcos
400 Craven Road
San Marcos, CA 9207838
Meet at 2nd floor Oncology Waiting Room
When: 2nd Wednesday of each month, 10am-11:30am
“Making Today Count” General Cancer Support Group
Address:
Kaiser Permanente
4511 Orcutt Ave.
San Diego, CA 92120
Room B
When: 1st & 3rd Thursdays of each month, 5:00pm-6:30pm
Contact: Debra Stern-Ellis, LCSW 619-528-3152
Newly Diagnosed Women’s Cancer Support Group
Address:
Douglas & Nancy Barnhart Cancer Center at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center
769 Medical Center Court
Chula Vista, CA 91911
When: 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 10:30 am to 12 pm
Women’s Cancer Support Group
Address:
Pomerado Outpatient Pavilion, Education Classroom
15611 Pomerado Rd.
Poway, CA 92064
When: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. – Noon
Cancer Support Group for patients/survivors and caregiver/family
Address:
Herrick Library (Community Room)
9001 Wakarusa St
La Mesa, CA 91942
When: 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 10:00am-12:00pm
Pre-registration is required to attend these groups and no walk-ins will be allowed.
Contact: Sara at (619) 890-9730
Women’s Cancer Support Group
Address:
Tri City Medical Center, French Room 1
4002 VISTA WAY,
OCEANSIDE, CA 92056
When: 2nd Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
(760) 940-3540
https://www.tricitymed.org/medical-services/cancer/cancer-support-wellness/cancer-support-group/
Herald Cancer Support Group
General cancer support group in Mandarin
Address:
Herald Christian Center
4282 Genesee Avenue, Ste 200
San Diego, CA 92117
When: 2nd Saturday of each month
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
RSVP: (858)598-6875
Caregiver and Family Support Groups
Free support group for family and friends of cancer patients
Address:
Sharp Grossmont Long Cancer Center Conference Room
5555 Grossmont Center Dr
La Mesa, CA 91942
When: 3rd Tuesdays, 1 to 2:30 pm
Free support group for family and friends of cancer patients
Address:
Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavillion Conference Room
3075 Health Center Drive
San Diego, CA 92123
When: 2nd Mondays, 5:30 to 6:30 pm
Please call (858) 939-5632 for times and to register
Cancer Caregiver Education and Support Group
Address:
UCSD Moores Cancer Center, Room 3106, third floor
3855 Health Sciences Dr
La Jolla, CA 92093
When: Usually first and third Tuesday of the month, 2-3:30 pm
Kaiser Permanente Coping with Cancer Together – for people with advanced cancer and their caregivers
Address:
400 Craven Rd.
San Marcos, CA 92078
When: 4th Wednesday of each month, 2:00-3:30pm
Please Register: Debra Stern-Ellis, LCSW 619-528-3152
Children and Family Cancer Support Group (free support group led by a clinical counselor designed to help kids cope with having an adult loved one with cancer)
Address:
Douglas & Nancy Barnhart Cancer Center at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center
769 Medical Center Court
Chula Vista, CA 91911
When: First Monday of the month, 4-5:30 pm
Cancer Support Group for patients/survivors and caregiver/family
Address:
Herrick Library (Community Room)
9001 Wakarusa St
La Mesa, CA 91942
When: 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 10:00am-12:00pm
Pre-registration is required to attend these groups and no walk-ins will be allowed.
Contact: Sara at (619) 890-9730
Metastatic and Advanced Disease Support Groups
Living with Advanced Cancer Support Group
Address:
Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion Radiation Oncology, Conference Room
3075 Health Center Drive
San Diego, CA 92123
When: 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 10 to 11 am
Please call (858) 939-5632 to register
Living with Advanced Cancer Support Group
Address:
Douglas & Nancy Barnhart Cancer Center at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center Conference Room
769 Medical Center Court
Chula Vista, CA 91911
When: 1st Fridays, 10:30 am to 12 pm
Young Patients Living with Advanced Cancer Support Group
Address:
Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion Radiation Oncology, Conference Room
3075 Health Center Drive
San Diego, CA 92123
When: 1st Mondays and 3rd Thursdays
Please call (858) 939-5632 for times and to register
Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group
Address:
Kaiser Permanente Room B—Behind Zion Medical Center
4511 Orcutt Avenue
San Diego, CA 92120
When: 4th Thursday of each month
Time: 5:00 PM -6:30 PM
Facilitated by:
Debra Stern-Ellis, LCSW (619) 528-3152
Kaiser Permanente Coping with Cancer Together – for people with advance cancer and their caregivers
Address:
3411 Orcutt Ave.
San Diego, CA 92120
Room B
When: 3rd Wednesday of each month, 2:00pm-3:30pm
Please Register: Debra Stern-Ellis, LCSW 619-528-3152
Kaiser Permanente Coping with Cancer Together – for people with advance cancer and their caregivers
Address:
400 Craven Rd.
San Marcos, CA 92078
When: 4th Wednesday of each month, 2:00pm-3:30pm
Please Register: Debra Stern-Ellis, LCSW 619-528-3152
Young Cancer Patient Support Groups
Free cancer support group for patients in their 20s, 30s and early 40 with advanced cancer
Address:
Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion Radiation Oncology, Conference Room
3075 Health Center Drive
San Diego, CA 92123
When: 1st Mondays, 5:30 to 6:30 pm
Free cancer support group for patients in their 20s, 30s and early 40 with stage 0-III cancer
Address:
Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion Radiation Oncology Conference Room
3075 Health Center Drive
San Diego, CA 92123
When: 2nd Mondays, 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Peer-facilitated Young Women’s Breast Cancer Forum and Support Group (for breast cancer patients ages 40 and under) Young Survival Coalition
Address:
Scripps Polster Breast Care Center
9850 Genesee Ave.
Suite 170 in La Jolla
When: 1st Tuesday, 11:30 am – 1 pm; 3rd Tuesday, 6:30 – 8 pm
Contact 858-553-8389 to confirm room location
Peer-facilitated Young Women’s Breast Cancer Forum and Support Group (for breast cancer patients ages 40 and under) Young Survival Coalition
Address:
Tri-City Wellness & Fitness Center Conference Room 3
6250 El Camino Real
Carlsbad, CA 92009
When: 3rd Thursday, 6pm-7:30pm
Peer-facilitated Young Women’s Breast Cancer Forum and Support Group (for breast cancer patients ages 40 and under) Young Survival Coalition
Address:
Douglas & Nancy Barnhart Cancer Center
769 Medical Center Ct.
Chula Vista, CA 91911
When: 2nd Thursday, 5:30pm-7pm
Haus of Volta: Young Survivor One-on-One Support
Please Contact: Hausofvolta@hotmail.com
Support Groups for Black/African American Women
Breast Cancer Support Group – Many Shades of Pink Foundation
Address:
Malcolm X Library
5146 Market Street
San Diego, CA 92114
When: Third Tuesday of every month, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Bilingual Support Groups
Grupo Esperanza: Spanish-Speaking Patient Support
Address:
UCSD Moores Cancer Center, Cuarto 3079, 3er Piso
3855 Health Sciences Dr
La Jolla, CA 92093
When: Second Wednesday of the month, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Grupo de Apoyo Para Mujeres con un Recién Diagnosis de Cáncer
Address:
Douglas & Nancy Barnhart Cancer Center at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center
769 Medical Center Court
Chula Vista, CA 91911
When: Primer y tercer Lunes de cada mes, 1 to 2:30 pm (1st & 3rd Monday of the month)
Poder – Breast Cancer Support Groups for Spanish-Speakers
Address:
San Ysidro Health Center– San Ysidro
4050 Beyer Blvd
San Ysidro, California 92173
When: 4th Wed of each month, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Poder – Breast Cancer Support Groups for Spanish-Speakers
Address:
San Ysidro Health – Chula Vista
678 3rd Ave.
Chula Vista, CA, 91910
When: 1st Wed of each month, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
We Support U – Spanish Breast Cancer Support Group
Address:
Rice School
348 L Street, Room 805
Chula Vista, CA 91911
When: 3rd Tuesday of each month, 3:30pm-5:00pm
Aida Gonzalez 619-985-0408
www.wesupportu.org
Cantonese and Mandarin Breast Cancer Support Group
Address:
San Diego Herald Center
4282 Genesee Ave
San Diego, California 92117
When: Saturdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Vamos a Charlar Support Group
Address:
Diamond Neighborhoods Family Health Center
4725 Market St.
San Diego, CA 92101
When: 3rd Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Support Group Facilitator: Alma Daneshi, three-time cancer survivor
For more information: (619) 646-2260
Scripps Mercy Chula Vista Breast Cancer Support
Address:
Scripps Mercy Well Being Center
237 Church Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91910
When: 1st and 3rd Monday of every month, 10:00am-11:30 a.m.
Contact: (619) 862-6600 or pacheco.shirley@scrippshealth.org
Survivor Support Groups
Women’s Cancer Survivor Support Group (Free support group for women who are new or long-term cancer survivors)
Address:
Douglas & Nancy Barnhart Cancer Center at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center
769 Medical Center Court
Chula Vista, CA 91911
When: 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays, 10:30 am to 12 pm
Telephone Based Support
Susan G. Komen Helpline
Our Breast Care Helpline 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) provides free, professional support services to anyone with breast cancer questions or concerns, including men diagnosed with breast cancer and their families. Calls are answered by a trained and caring staff member Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET and from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. PT. You can also email the helpline at helpline@komen.org.
Our free, 12-week telephone support groups for men with breast cancer provide a safe place for men to discuss the challenges of breast cancer, get information and exchange support. To learn more, call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) or email helpline@komen.org.
The Komen Breast Care Helpline also offers:
- Breast health and breast cancer information,
- Support and counseling to anyone with questions or concerns,
- Clinical trial information,
- Information about local organizations and resources that may provide financial assistance and other support services,
- Low-cost mammography resources; and
- Educational materials.
Reach to Recovery Support Program (American Cancer Society)
Breast cancer survivors reach out to women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
website: http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/SupportProgramsServices/reach-to-recovery
phone: (800) 227-2345
USC Telehealth
Live professional counseling and therapy services delivered via computer in homes of individuals, couples, families, older adults, service members, and veterans who are California residents. To receive these services, clients must have a computer or laptop less than 4 years old, webcam, and high-speed internet. This is convenient (no driving), private, confidential, free and sponsored by University of Southern California.
website: https://dworakpeck.usc.edu/research/centers-affiliations/telehealth
phone: (866) 740-6502