Support Groups

Your help is needed to make this a page a tool for all survivors seeking support. Please, send any information about support groups to the Affiliate.

Participating in a support group does not necessarily prolong the lives of women with breast cancer. According to Dr. Pamela J. Goodwin, a medical oncologist, women should not feel pressured to participate in a support group, but there can be real benefits for those who seek groups. In her study, those in support groups said they felt better and had better control of their pain.

"The Komen Foundation feels that it is important for women to have a wide variety of support options when facing a breast cancer diagnosis and will continue to empower patients to make their own personal choices as to how to find the support they need during this time," said Rebecca Garcia, Ph.D., vice president of health sciences for the Komen Foundation.

Many breast cancer support groups are active in Southwest Michigan. For more information on special programs or to join a support group, contact the individual listed below.

If you belong to or know of a breast cancer support group, please contact us so we can update our list. swmi@komenswmichigan.org or P.O. Box 2031, Kalamazoo MI 49003-2031