Cancer Support Services

Our support groups help people cope with the emotional aspects of cancer by providing a safe place to share feelings and experiences that may seem too difficult to share with family and friends. Our group dynamic allows patients to learn from others who have faced similar situations and often creates a sense of belonging that helps each person feel more understood and less alone.

Brain Tumor Support Group

All those affected by brain tumors are welcome to join us. Family, friends, and loved ones are welcome to attend as well. Educational materials, resources, and other important information will be shared at each meeting. The meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month from 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. in room AN-1305 of the Georgia Cancer Center Outpatient Services – Laney Walker clinic. If you are interested in attending, or have questions, you can contact Jacey Salley by calling 706-721-2505 or via email at jsalley@augusta.edu.

Breast Cancer Survivor Social

Connect with other breast cancer survivors at the Breast Cancer Survivor Community every fourth Monday from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Gynecologic Cancer Support

CSRA Gyn Cancer Support Group Meets the third Monday of each month from 6:15 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Georgia Cancer Center M. Bert Storey Research Building - Knox Foundation Community Center (CN-1209).  The address is 1410 Laney Walker Boulevard Augusta, GA 30912.
Email: Donna Wheatley at dwheatley@augusta.edu
Call: 706-721-5557

Gastrointestinal Cancer

• Patients diagnosed with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) and their caregivers can find answers and support at GIST Support International. The organization also has limited financial aid for patients needing a second opinion.
• The Life Raft Group serves as an advocacy group for patients with a rare form of cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Its mission, to ensure the survival of our patients while maintaining their quality of life through research, treatment surveillance, information and support, and patient outreach and assistance.

Lung Cancer Support Group

Open for all those affected by lung cancer. We welcome all current and past patients, along with family, friends and loved ones to join us. Educational materials, resources, and other important information will be shared at each meeting. The meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. in room AN-1305 of the Georgia Cancer Center Outpatient Services – Laney Walker clinic. If you are interested in attending, or have questions, you can contact Jacey Salley by calling 706-721-2505 or via email at jsalley@augusta.edu.

Prostate Cancer Support Group

Zero Us Too - A supportive gathering place for survivors, recently diagnosed or affected by prostate cancer and anyone who wants to find out more about this disease affecting men.

Meets the third Tuesday of each month from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the Richmond County Public Library, 823 Telfair Street in the Writing Lab (3rd Floor).
Email: zeroustooaugusta@gmail.com
Call: 706-305-4810.

Pastoral Care

The Office of Spiritual Care offers counseling and support to patients, families, and staff who are experiencing the impact of a cancer diagnosis. Support is available 24 hours day/7 days a week for inpatients and outpatients. It is the goal of our department to provide spiritual support for people of all faiths and creeds, including those who have none, with equal care. We offer:

• Spiritual and emotional counseling.
• Bereavement and grief support.
• Assistance with creating an Advanced Medical Directive.
• Liaison to other faith communities as requested by patients.
• Conducting religious/spiritual events as requested by patients, families & staff.
• Educational Seminars concerning life with cancer.

Do you have an Advanced Medical Directive?

An Advanced Medical Directive (AMD) allows you to share your medical care wishes, including refusal of certain treatments in emergency/life-or-death situations, with your loved ones and caregivers. An AMD tells people what you want to happen in the event that you you are unable to speak for yourself regarding your healthcare decisions.

To ensure that your wishes are followed, it is essential to complete an advanced medical directive before it is needed. 

The Georgia Cancer Center provides excellent customer service by meeting the cancer information needs of the public, patients, caregivers, and health professionals by providing scientifically-backed cancer information from credible sources and by linking those in need to cancer care specialists and resources.

Pat Sodomka Family Resource Library 

Located in the lobby of the Georgia Cancer Center's Outpatient Services Clinic, the Patricia Sodomka Family Resource Library is a warm, welcoming multi-media center tailored to your information needs. Our library staff can help you find information about the latest advances in cancer treatment. The library is a valuable resource for patients, families, and our community.

Our staff is available to help you find answers to specific questions or use the computer-based search systems. The library focuses on all aspects of the cancer continuum: prevention, diagnosis, treatment, quality-of-life, and grief issues. Browse the growing collection of books and reference materials the library has to offer. The library staff also work closely with the on-site dietitian and social worker to ensure patients receive up-to-date information on nutrition or assistance. You will find materials on topics including:

• Specific cancer types and treatments options
• Clinical research
• Stress management
• Pain management
• Fatigue
• Nutrition
• Explaining cancer to children
• Spirituality
• Grief
• Survivorship

The library offers access to two free databases. These may be accessed on personal or Mac computers in the library or from home.

• Medline Plus:  A consumer health site that provides links to reputable web sites on specific diseases and to prepared literature searches from the Medline Plus database. You will also find links to medical dictionaries, physician and hospital directories, clearinghouses, non-profit organizations offering information to consumers, and interactive tutorials.
• PubMed: The National Library of Medicine’s database has access to articles from more than 4000 medical journals. It allows simple keyword searching or more complicated searches using Boolean logic. It also includes a Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) browser and a citation matches.

The Image Boutique

Georgia Cancer Center’s Image Boutique focuses on improving self-image and self-esteem by helping patients look and feel their best which boosts confidence and enhances quality of life. Our Image Recovery Specialist is a licensed cosmetologist, and licensed mastectomy and prosthetic fitter, who provides confidential consultations for wig selection and fitting, breast prosthesis fitting, surgical and mastectomy garments, and compression garments.

(Note: A physician prescription is required for wigs, prostheses, surgical and mastectomy garments, and compression garments.)

"How do I donate to the Image Boutique?"

An Image Boutique Fund was established to provide financial assistance to any woman who is either uninsured or whose insurance does not cover the cost of wigs, breast prosthesis, surgical bras, compression sleeves, or other products that help patients cope with the physical effects of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

To make a donation, please make your check out to: 
Georgia Health Sciences Foundation - in the memo write #21646-Image Boutique.
Mail to:

Georgia Health Sciences Foundation  
Office of Advancement
1120 15th Street
Professional 1 Building AD1104
Augusta, GA 30912

• Hope for Two (Cancer during Pregnancy)

  Hope for Two provides information to women diagnosed with cancer while pregnant. It also gives support by matching newly diagnosed women with others who have experienced cancer while pregnant.

• Cancer Support Services

  Formerly The Lydia Project, this Augusta-based volunteer organization offers a wide range of support, including financial help, transportation and accommodation services, and emotional support for all cancer patients and survivors regardless of age or gender.