Q: Who uses the Cancer Support Community?
Individuals who have cancer who desire to improve the quality of their lives and be an active partner along with their physicians and healthcare team come to the Cancer Support Community. People who have had cancer and have completed medical treatments also attend to maintain their health while focusing on survivorship issues. Family and friends are also welcome to participate. No referral is needed.

Q: Can support people come even if the person with cancer doesn't want to?
Yes! We have specific groups solely for family and friends of the person with cancer, where people share their experiences, learn how to best support the person with cancer, and also take care of themselves. Also, support people are welcome to attend all other parts of the program, such as educational workshops and stress management classes.

Q: What is the best way to begin getting involved at the Cancer Support Community?
Our Newcomers' Orientation is meant to provide new participants with an introduction to all the services and programs available at the Cancer Support Community. Attending a Newcomers' Group is also necessary if you think you want to join one of our weekly support groups. However, you can also just attend any other workshop or program on the calendar without coming first to a Newcomers' Group. We do ask you to come on time for scheduled programs, since we do start them promptly.

Q: Do participants follow a specific program?
Participants decide which activities that they believe will help them improve their own well-being.

Q: If I don't want to be in a support group, can I still attend other programs?
While support groups can be very helpful for people living with cancer, they are not for everyone. We invite you to attend any program or activity of interest to you. Please refer to the section on support groups to determine whether a support group could be helpful for you.

Q: Isn’t it depressing for people to be around other people with cancer?
No one understands what it means to live with cancer better than another person with cancer. This is what makes support groups so powerful. Participants don’t check their sense of humor at the front door. Groups share the full range of emotions, including tears and laughter.

Q: Who runs the Cancer Support Community’s programs?
All of our facilitators are licensed professionals with many years of clinical experience, and training in the Cancer Support Community’s methodology. Our instructors in yoga, T’ai Chi, meditation, and nutrition are all certified and experienced in the particular needs of people with cancer.

Q: Are medical services or advice available?
The Cancer Support Community does not have a medical staff. Individuals seek their own treatment as they deem necessary.

Q: Is the Cancer Support Community program an alternative to medical treatment?
No. The program is meant to support the treatment prescribed by a patient's healthcare team and is not a substitute for traditional medical care.

Q: What does it cost to participate?
Nothing...all programs and services are FREE. The Cancer Support Community is a nonprofit organization and is supported by tax-deductible contributions from the public, corporate donations, and foundation grants.

Q: What hours is the Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia open?
You are welcome to come to CSCP during our business hours, which are Mondays through Thursdays 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. We often have evening and Saturday programs (either weekly groups or programs that are listed on the calendar).

Q: I don't have a car. Can I get to the Cancer Support Community using public transportation?
Yes, but it involves advanced planning. At this time, there is no bus route directly to the Cancer Support Community. However, we have a car shuttle service to our Philadelphia location that operates on weekdays between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. The shuttle can pick you up at the intersection of City Line Avenue and Belmont Avenue (at the Lukoil Gas Station's convenience store) 20 minutes prior to the start of the activity you wish to attend, whether it's a group, a workshop, or other program. You need to call in a reservation at least 2 business days prior to the day the ride is needed. We will take you back to City Line Avenue and Belmont Avenue 10 minutes after the activity ends.

Q: Is the Cancer Support Community wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Most of the programs take place on the first floor of our building, and there is a ramp to the front door. We have specially-designated parking spaces close to the building for those in need. Since we are located in a historic building, there are a few rooms which are accessed by several stairs, but we will change room assignments to accommodate our participants as needed.