Support Groups are a fantastic opportunity for people with similar experiences to come together and share their stories, what has or hasn’t worked (in regard to treatment, symptom management, self-care, etc) and find like-minded people to minimise feelings of isolation. They can be casual or formal and sometimes take on a therapeutic context. The structure and content of the groups are determined by the members.
Rare Cancers Australia facilitates a variety of groups, over the telephone but we have the capacity to do video conferencing as well. The goal of these groups is to ensure that each member has a safe, comfortable space so they can talk about their successes and challenges and build connections with peers.
Register for a Support Group
*When joining our online Facebook Support Groups an email address is required and our Patient Support team will be in contact to finalise the registration process.
Support Groups available
Adrenocortical Carcinoma (ACC)
The Rare Cancers Adrenocortical Carcinoma (ACC) Support Group is for anyone living with ACC. It provides a forum for members to share their treatment options, refer suitable clinicians, talk about symptom management or any other topics which may be on your mind. It is an open and confidential forum of support for patients and Carers going through an ACC journey.
Join Facebook Group
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST)
Rare Cancers GIST Support Group is for anyone living with GIST. It is specifically for people living with this cancer type and provides a forum for members to share their treatment options, refer suitable clinicians and talk about symptom management. All patients and carers are welcome.
Join Facebook Group
Medullary Thyroid
Rare Cancers Medullary Thyroid Cancer Support Group is for anyone living with Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC). It is specifically for people living with this cancer type and provides a forum for members to share their treatment options, refer suitable clinicians and talk about symptom management. All patients and carers are welcome.
Join Facebook Group
Rare Cancer Carers
Rare Cancers Carers Support Group is for anyone caring for loved ones affected by a rare or less common cancer. It is a place for carers to share their experience and provide support to one another while their loved one is receiving treatment. All carers are welcome.
Join Facebook Group
Rare Connect
Rare Connect is a service for anyone affected by a rare or less common cancer. It is a telephone or video conferencing support group where people with similar experiences can come together and assist each other through their cancer journey. Whether you want to find out about suitable clinicians and treatment options, or just have a chat about some of the challenges you might be experiencing, Rare Connect is available for you. All patients and carers are welcome.
Join Facebook Group
Sarcoma
Rare Cancers Sarcoma Support Group is for anyone living with soft tissue sarcoma. It is specifically for people living with this cancer type and provides a forum for members to share their treatment options, refer suitable clinicians and talk about symptom management. All patients and carers are welcome.
Join Facebook Group
Thymoma
Rare Cancers Thymoma Support Group is for anyone living with thymoma or thymic cancer. It is specifically for people living with this cancer type and provides a forum for members to share their treatment options, refer suitable clinicians and talk about symptom management. All patients and carers are welcome.
Join Facebook Group
How the groups work
We run the groups regularly, but you are under no obligation to attend every session. Patient Support staff will contact participants the day before the group to confirm their attendance and there are four ways to connect with the group, all you need is a working phone or laptop with an internet connection:
- Requesting the group facilitator to call you in
- Dialling in yourself via Microsoft Teams using your phone
- Joining via video conferencing with Microsoft Teams
- Joining the private Facebook group and chatting with the participants there
Patient Support staff will provide the conference ID and link to the meeting prior to the session.
For more information, please give the Patient Support team a call on 1800 257 600 or email support@rarecancers.org.au