The issues for women living with secondary breast cancer are often quite different from those of women dealing with early breast cancer, and therefore general breast cancer groups may no longer meet their needs.
Unfortunately, there are very few support groups specifically for women with secondary breast cancer in Australia.
An alternative to consider is attending a general cancer support group. These groups provide support for people dealing with all types of cancer, such as bowel or lung cancer, and they often share similar concerns and issues that women dealing with secondary breast cancer face. For information about general cancer support groups in your area contact the Cancer Council's Cancer Helpline on 13 11 20.
Keep in mind that each group has its own 'personality' -- some groups are run by people who have experienced breast cancer and others are professionally facilitated, usually by a health care professional. You may need to try a few different groups before you find one that suits your particular needs.
Below is a list of secondary breast cancer specific support groups that are currently active. Another option is to join our online network if you think that talking to others online and sharing experiences will help.
NSW
ABC Girls - Advanced Breast Cancer Group
Support and education group which has a guest speaker one month and a chat and sharing session the next.
Located: Lingard Private Hospital, Merewether St, Merewether, Newcastle
Conducted by: Kris
When: Third Wednesday of the month from 2-4pm
Time frame: Ongoing
Cost: Free, afternoon tea provided
Contact: Kris Kelly on 02 4942 2600 or 0413 881 996
Metastatic Breast Cancer Group
Supportive, expressive group. Group participants discuss issues regarding adjustment to diagnosis while supported by professional facilitators.
Located: Northern Sydney Central Coast Health
Conducted by: Clinical psychologist and Manager, Cancer Support and Information Services
When: Once a month on Thursday afternoons
Time frame: Ongoing
Cost: Free
Contact: Please call Amanda O'Reilly 02 9926 7246 (Manager, Cancer Support and Information Services) or Carolyn 02 9926 6434 for registrations and discussions.
Support Group for Advanced Breast Cancer
Ongoing information and support group
Located: Patricia Richie Centre for Cancer Care and Research, 11 Gillies Street, Crows Nest
Conducted by: Alternating between a clinical psychologist and pastoral care worker
When: Usually held on once a month on a Friday evening, dependent on the number of participants
Time frame: Ongoing
Cost: Free
Contact: Kerrie Andrews (breast care nurse) 02 9900 7640
QUEENSLAND
Choices for Women with Advanced Breast Cancer
A support network specifically for women diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. They also have specialised groups for partners and children.
Located: Queensland 4101
Conducted by: The Wesley Hospital Kim Walters Choices Program
Timeframe: Ongoing
Cost: Free
Contact: Choices Program Co-ordinator: Janine Porter-Steele Phone: 07 3232 7064 Mobile: 0417 622 652
Email: janinep@wesley.com.au
Choices Program Assistant Co-ordinator: Leonie Young
Phone: (07) 3232 7596
Email:leonie.young@wesley.com.au
Support line: 1800 227 271
General enquiries: 07 3232 7064
Email: choices@wesley.com.au
Website: http://choices.wesley.com.au
Group for Women with Advanced Breast Cancer (Tuesday 1-2pm and Wednesday 11am-12noon) and Group for Partners and Families (3rd Thursday of each month 1.15-2.15pm)
Professionally facilitated, face-to-face and teleconferenced group for women who live in Queensland. The women who attend face-to-face meet after for a cuppa.
Located: 1st floor, 205 Boundary Street, West End, Queensland 4101 and you can attend via teleconference
Conducted by: The Women's Psychotherapy Service Inc. Mary O'Brien and Pia Hirsch run the Group for Women with Advanced Breast Cancer. Tom O'Brien and Alan Bolder run the Group for Partners and Families
Time frame: Ongoing support group
Cost: Free
Contact: 07 3217 2998
This service also has a website, www.advancedbreastcancergroup.org/ which holds forums and on-line support groups for all Australians affected by secondary breast cancer.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Secondary Challenges
When you are dealing with a recurrence of cancer or secondaries are these things important to you? - Information, Restructuring your environment, Redefining 'normal', Optimising strengths, Humour, Spiritual Beliefs, Hope, Social Ties. Join to discuss these and similar issues.
Located: The Cancer Care Centre Inc, 76-78 Edmund Avenue, Unley
Conducted by: Louise
When: 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, 10-12 noon
Time frame: Ongoing support group
Cost: $5 Booking required
Contact: 08 8272 2411 or 08 8373 1470
Website: www.cancercare.asn.au
VICTORIA
Bethlehem Palliative Care Day Care Centre: Living with Advanced Cancer Program
The Day Care Centre provides community based and inpatient services for any one with a life threatening illness. The objective of the service is to optimise wellbeing and adjustment to the emotional and physical limitations imposed by the illness.
Located: Calvary Health Care Bethlehem, 476 Kooyong Road, Caulfield
Conducted by: Personal Care Assistants, Divisional therapists, Art therapists, Music therapists, Rekei therapists
When: Held on Wednesdays and Fridays, 10am-3pm (hot lunch provided)
Time frame: Ongoing
Cost: Free
Contact: 03 9595 3331
BreaCan Program of Events for Women Living with Advanced Breast & Gynaecological Cancer
Regular information, discussion and creative sessions are held by BreaCan and may include subjects such as treatment options, stress and anxiety, centrelink and creative writing.
Located: Ground floor, Queen Victoria Women's Centre, 210 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Conducted by: Prestenter and guest speakers
When: Opening times are 10am-2pm every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
Time frame: Ongoing
Cost: free
Contact: 1300 781 500 (cost of a local call for country callers) breacan@breacan.org.au
Website: www.breacan.org.au
BreaCan Here and Now Group for Women Living with Advanced Breast Cancer
Depending on the participants, the weekly sessions are conducted either face-to-face or via phone participation. The program offers the opportunity to discuss a range of issues including grief and loss, intimacy and sexuality, death and dying, talking with friends and families etc.
Conducted by: Co-facilitated by two experienced professional group leaders
Located: Ground floor, Queen Victoria Women's Centre, 210 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne or via teleconference
Time frame: 8 weeks
Cost: Free
Contact: 1300 781 500 (cost of a local call for country callers) breacan@breacan.org.au
Website: www.breacan.org.au
The Thursday Girls: Group for Metastatic Breast Cancer
Supportive, expressive psychotherapy group
Located: Salvation Army Centre Box Hill, 17 Nelson St Box Hill
Facilitated by: Christine Hill and Fiona McDermott
When: Thursday mornings 9.15-10.30am and members stay for a cuppa after the group
Time frame: Ongoing
Cost: Free
Contact: Christine Hill on 0411 556 205, or Fiona McDermott on 0413 836 284
