Prostate Cancer Support Groups
Patients & Caregivers
Our support groups are all about hope. Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be tough, but sitting in a room filled with others, including 10-year survivors, gives you reassurance. Prostate cancer doesn’t have to bring your life to a standstill."
Every time you walk away, you’re going to learn something, you’re going to share something with somebody, and if you can help one person, that’s I think the best thing that we can do.”
Support Group Meetings
Our free monthly meetings are the 1st Wednesday of the month and are open to new patients, prostate cancer alumni, wives, partners, family members, and others who are interested in prostate cancer and treatment options. Click on the button below to see the calendar of meetings.
- Have you been diagnosed with prostate cancer and are looking to discuss treatment options?
- Want to share your prostate cancer treatment experience with others?
- Want to ask specific questions about diagnosis, treatment options, meet others in similar situations, or just listen?
- New patients, survivors, wives, partners, family members, and friends all welcome!
Meetings are hosted at the Wellness House in Hinsdale, our partner in serving people living with cancer.
Please register here so we can make sure we have enough room and can contact you with any meeting changes.
If you would like to join via Zoom, you need to register separately so an invite/link can be sent to you. Please click the button below to sign up for zoom access.
Updates are also posted on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProstateCancerFoundationChicago/.
For more information, contact Kelly O’Brien, the PCFC Executive Director, at 630.248.0717. PCFC is also available to provide prostate cancer wellness educational presentations for your employee wellness program or at meetings of your community, church, or other organization.
Why Attend a Support Group?
Why attend a support group meeting? A recent Canadian study of the value of prostate cancer support groups demonstrated preliminary data when primary care physicians were positive about patient support groups; their referred patients, in turn, had positive experiences. Previous research on support groups cited reassurance, reduced anxiety, improved positive outlook, and the perception of being more involved in treatment decisions. A recent study found that face-to-face support group attendance could begin with participation in web-based patient support forums, which may also be especially useful in rural areas.
All are welcome to benefit from discussions, sharing, and learning at PCFC Prostate Cancer Support Group meetings, held on the first Wednesday of each month.
As one advocate of traditional support groups—a participant in Scranton’s Man to Man prostate cancer support group—stated, “Every time you walk away, you’re going to learn something, you’re going to share something with somebody, and if you can help one person, that’s I think the best thing that we can do.”
Many of PCFC’s long-time Patient Support Group members echo this outlook and share that they would not miss a meeting for the chance to give back to other men facing prostate cancer.
Get Proper Support and Guidance Throughout Your Cancer Journey
At PCFC, we’ve made it our mission to ensure that individuals undergoing cancer treatment don’t have to go through it alone. People with cancer and their loved ones can share their experiences in a supportive environment that will lift their confidence and strength as they navigate treatment, recovery, and more. Those who have taken part have found a sense of calm in the chaos that can be a cancer diagnosis or treatment. We aim to improve the outlook and perspective of each person fighting this disease.
Being diagnosed with cancer can force you to face the intricacies of understanding complex medical treatments on top of navigating deep emotional shifts all at once. You do not need to go through all of this yourself. If you’re ready to share your experience with cancer or want insight and camaraderie from people who have been through the same thing, we encourage you or your loved one to join our free cancer support groups.
You’ll hear directly from prostate cancer survivors and caregivers on how they dealt with their diagnosis, determined the appropriate treatment plan for their situation, and continued to experience life to the fullest despite a challenging situation.
Another way PCFC continues its mission of spreading awareness and connectivity for those experiencing prostate cancer is through our many different fundraising events held during the year. Further your support journey by participating in outings and activities where you’ll meet other current patients or alumni in a fun and uplifting setting.
Whether you’re looking to attend in person or online, please sign up today for our next prostate cancer support group. Get reliable support from those who have walked the same path. Contact us today for more information on our cancer support groups at PCFC.
Support Group FAQs
Our cancer support group through PCFC meets once a month at the Wellness House in Hinsdale, located at 131 N County Line Rd. We meet on the first Wednesday of the month from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Support meetings are not held in the months of January and July.
Dealing with prostate diagnosis and treatment can be a challenging experience not only on your body, but also on your mind. In addition to our annual meeting, Wellness House offers its own prostate support group that offers help and support to those who are struggling emotionally, no matter what stage of their prostate cancer journey. Wellness House prostate cancer support groups offer a welcoming and compassionate environment for individuals who may be struggling with the emotional or psychological impact of prostate cancer.
PCFC offers individuals the opportunity to participate in our prostate cancer support groups in person or via Zoom. We aim to ensure that everyone who wants to participate and needs support has the chance to receive help and share their experiences.
We welcome people currently diagnosed with cancer or who have previously completed treatment. We also welcome family members or loved ones who serve as caregivers or are bereaved. PCFC understands that cancer not only affects the individual diagnosed but also those who are there throughout the treatment journey.
If you are someone who has just recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer, we also offer monthly free informational meetings to provide new patients with a comprehensive overview of the disease and treatment options.
Cancer diagnosis truly changes someone’s life in so many ways. That’s why we encourage an open forum for individuals to share the ways in which their cancer diagnosis and treatment have impacted their lives. Participation requires a deep level of openness and vulnerability, but the level of support you’ll be given is unmatched. You do not need to share everything all at once; you can begin by hearing from others until you feel more comfortable sharing. The goal is to build a community that uplifts and supports each other through shared experiences.
If you’re looking to get vital information directly related to your prostate cancer diagnosis, feel free to give our help line a call at 630.248.0717. One of our members can answer your questions on testing, symptoms, treatment options, and so much more.
Yes. Every cancer journey is different, so we encourage participants to discuss their treatment as this can be helpful for others who may be given different options and are trying to determine the right fit for their situation. To get started, you can check out our breakdown of the most common treatment options available to prostate cancer patients, as well as updated articles and reports on current cancer research and leading cancer hospitals, oncologists, and surgeons for specialized care.
There is no cost at all to attend our monthly prostate cancer support group. All meetings are free to sign up for.
We have deep respect for those facing the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of a prostate cancer diagnosis. You can feel confident that any information you share—within group guidelines—will be handled with care and kept confidential in accordance with applicable privacy standards.
We are unfortunately not able to assist in crises. If you or a loved one who has a prostate cancer diagnosis is in immediate distress due to emotional or medical reasons, please call 911 or text 988 for emergency psychiatric or medical support. You can also contact crisis support online.