Cancer Support Community Benefits

Cancer Support Community is an international organization resulting from the merger of Gilda’s Club Worldwide and The Wellness Community. These two nonprofits have been leaders in the movement to provide social and emotional support to all people touched by cancer, strengthening the link between medical and emotional health.

Cancer Support Community has 50 local affiliates, over 100 satellite locations and online services. It is the most prominent community-based organization in the U.S. providing evidence-based psychosocial services to people affected by cancer, including patients, survivors, caregivers, family and friends. More information is available at www.cancersupportcommunity.org.

The 2007 Institute of Medicine report "Cancer Care for the Whole Patient: Meeting Psychosocial Health Needs" states that cancer care often does not adequately address the emotional, social, spiritual or financial challenges associated with the disease. More specifically, the report states "psychosocial stressors should not be ignored in the delivery of high-quality health care for people living with cancer" and accessing such care is critical for optimal medical outcomes. It states that community-based organizations are a critical part of the health care delivery system and need to be included in the continuum of care.

Cancer Support Community's mission addresses the Institute of Medicine's key finding that social and emotional support is as important as medical care in the face of a cancer diagnosis.

Addressing an Unmet Need

Cancer Support Community Colorado has conducted market research to determine the extent to which our critically-important personalized services are needed in our community, by asking health care professionals, community organizations, and individuals affected by cancer for feedback. Their input affirms that there is a significant unmet need. This research shows that the availability of psychosocial services for people with cancer, survivors, caregivers and family members offered through health care facilities in the Denver metro area varies widely. Many facilities offer limited personalized services. In addition, many individuals affected by cancer have stated that they do not want to go to the place where they are receiving or have received medical treatment to access support services, education and healthy lifestyle programs. Yet very few clinical support services for people with cancer or their caregivers and family members are available through other community-based organizations.

To help people develop an empowered attitude toward cancer and improve their quality of life, our services include:

  • Support - helping patients and caregivers throughout the cancer journey so no one has to face cancer alone
  • Education - programs and workshops to better understand and manage the many facets of the disease
  • Healthy Lifestyle - programs that address exercise, nutrition, stress reduction, expressive arts and other mind/body therapies
  • Social Activities - opportunities to share and laugh with others
  • Information and Referral - learning to access and navigate available information

We offer our programs at sites throughout the Denver metro area by partnering with health care providers, community organizations and places of worship.