Cancer Support Groups

UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center offers several support in-person and virtual groups for people with cancer, survivors, and family and friends touched by the disease. 

Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Support Group

There are two Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Support Group meetings for those who have been diagnosed with cancer. People aged 15 to 25 meet Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. via Zoom. Beginning July 10, people aged 26-39 will meet Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m. via Zoom. The group provides an opportunity for survivors to connect with peers who share similar experiences.

To request more information, including ongoing support group communications, meeting details, and an active Zoom link, please email AYAprogram@uabmc.edu.

Learn more about the AYA Program.

Brain Buddies

UAB Neuro-Oncology Virtual Support Group’s purpose is to build a sense of community through digital meet-ups and to allow UAB Neuro-Oncology patients and caregivers to connect with peers who are going through similar experiences. The group meets every third Wednesday of the month at Noon via Zoom.

Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center

Forge, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and UAB Medicine partner, serves breast cancer survivors and co-survivors residing or receiving treatment in the following counties: Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, and Walker. Forge creates a personalized survivorship plan for each enrollee and offers a range of services, including:

  • Health and wellness classes.
  • Professional mental health counseling.
  • Telephone support.
  • Legal and financial counseling.
  • Gardening, exercise, and cooking events.
  • Support groups.
  • Peer-mentor matching.
General Oncology Support Group

The UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center oncology support group meetings are for people with cancer, survivors, and family and friends touched by the disease. The group meets the first Tuesday of each month via Zoom.

2025 Support Group Dates | Time 12pm
  • January 7
  • February 4
  • March 4
  • April 1
  • May 6
  • June 3
  • July 1
  • August 5
  • September 2
  • October 7
  • November 4
  • December 2
Agenda

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Educational presentation

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: Open discussion 

ZOOM LINK: https://uab-mc.zoom.us/j/89543539711?pwd=SnpZc1EybXp2TEZuZkZBUkhESXk3UT09 

Head and Neck Cancer Support Group

UAB Otolaryngology, Oral Surgery, and Radiation Oncology jointly host a head and neck cancer support group. This support group is an opportunity for our patients and their loved ones to hear valuable information from our interdisciplinary experts; connect with other survivors and their loved ones; and talk through any issues they may be facing.

The support group meetings are specifically for:

  • Patients diagnosed with cancer affecting the head and neck.
  • Survivors of head and neck cancer.
  • Family and friends touched by the disease.

Each session meets both via Zoom and in-person at the UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center.

For additional information, including ongoing support group communications, meeting details, and Zoom link, please email lcjennings@uabmc.edu.

Upcoming Dates
DateTopicSpeaker(s)
September 18, 2025, at 4 p.m. CSTSupport Group Kick OffSullivan Family
October 16, 2025, at 4 p.m. CSTPatient ExperiencePanel of Patients
November 20, 2025, at 4 p.m. CSTMeditation/Self CarePavithra Andrea Thomas, BA & MA in Psychology
January 15, 2026, at 4 p.m. CSTCaregiver ExperiencePanel of Caregivers
February 19, 2026, at 4 p.m. CSTLiving with a TracheostomyJennifer Faulkner, PA, and Maddie Golden, CRNP
March 19, 2026, at 4 p.m. CSTRadiation Side Effects and Skin CareMehran Yusuf, M.D., and Rachel Falkner, M.D.
April 16, 2026, at 4 p.m. CSTSwelling and Swallowing: Management for Head and Neck LymphedemaCaitlin Stone, MCD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S
May 21, 2026, at 4 p.m. CSTArts and Medicine/Drum CircleWalker Wright (In Person ONLY)
Agenda

4:00 p.m. Introduction
4:10 p.m. Presentation
4:45 p.m. Q&A Discussion
5:00 p.m. Closing Remarks

Leukemia Support Group

The Leukemia Support Group builds a sense of community and provides educational opportunities for UAB patients diagnosed with leukemia and their caregivers. The group creates a comforting environment where patients connect with their peers based on common experiences.

The Leukemia Support Group meets virtually, via Zoom, every first Friday of the month at noon.

Pancreatobiliary Disease Center Support Group

The Pancreatobiliary Disease Center support group is an online support group for those with diseases of the pancreas or bile duct. We provide educational material, community resources, and an opportunity for members to share their experiences. We hope that our members will feel a sense of community and increase their knowledge base.

Patients and Caregivers of Neuro-Oncology

UAB Neuro-Oncology is striving to build a sense of community through an online platform to allow UAB Neuro-Oncology patients to connect with peers who are going through similar experiences.

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