Support Groups & Programs
As a cancer patient or friend or family member of a patient, you are not alone. The UNM Cancer Center offers many groups and programs to help you connect with others facing similar challenges. Sharing information and experiences with fellow patients and group facilitators can be an important part of the healing process.
Click here for a schedule of support group meetings and other programs for patients and family members. Browse the descriptions of individual programs below and contact the numbers listed if you would like more information.
Arts-in-Medicine at UNM | 505-272-4722
From September to May of each year, the UNM Cancer Center waiting rooms and chemotherapy suites are transformed by the Arts-in-Medicine Program at the University of New Mexico. The program offers patients and their loved ones healing experiences with music, art, writing and massage to create moments of beauty and rejuvenation.
Cancer Survivor and Family Education and Support Group | 505-925-0104
In partnership with People Living Through Cancer, we offer an education and support group for cancer survivors and their family members. The purpose of the group is to provide emotional support and other assistance to participants coping with cancer diagnosis and treatment.
| CarePages | 505-925-0182 |  |
CarePages is a service that allows patients to set up free, private, personalized webpages to easily share updates with family and friends, receive messages of encouragement and support, read stories and tips and meet others in similar situations. Learn more about CarePages here. Ready to set up a page? Click here to begin. If you have any questions, please call the number above.
Family and Friends of Advanced Cancer Patients | 505-925-0104
This group is for the friends and family of patients with advanced cancer who may be experiencing anticipatory grief and for those who are grieving the recent death of a loved one from cancer.
Look Good…Feel Better for Women | 505-272-0228
In partnership with the American Cancer Society, the UNM Cancer Center offers the Look Good …Feel Better program, a free service that teaches female cancer patients beauty techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Volunteer beauty professionals instruct and support women on makeup techniques, skincare, nail care and options related to hair loss such as wigs, turbans and scarves. Each participant receives a free cosmetics kit, a wig, scarf and/or turban. To find out about Look Good…Feel Better programs statewide, call the American Cancer Society in Albuquerque at 505-260-2105 or visit www.cancer.org or www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org.
Lung Cancer Support Group | 505-925-0188
Living with lung cancer and related treatments can be very challenging for patients and their families. This group allows participants to meet others in similar situations to share stories and practical suggestions and provide support.
Meditation and Relaxation Group | 505-925-0104
The UNM Cancer Center’s Meditation and Relaxation Group practices mindful breathing and progressive muscle relaxation to help participants relax and experience well-being.
Support Community for Cancer Patients | 505-925-0104
The Support Community group is open to current patients and their loved ones. Participants can share experiences of treatment and recovery in a safe, confidential and nurturing environment. The group includes time to talk and experience community, as well as monthly guest speakers presenting on relevant topics.
Survivors Workshop | 505-925-0184
This group is open to cancer patients from first diagnosis on, to help participants cope with life’s challenges. Group members will learn and practice techniques to decrease anxiety and depression.
Survivors Writing Together | 505-925-0104
Survivors Writing Together provides a unique combination of journaling and support group for people in all stages of diagnosis and recovery.
Treatment is Over, Now What? | 505-925-0104
This group is designed for people who have completed active cancer treatment and are learning to navigate the “new normal.”