The Cancer Support Community of Western Ohio provides free life skills support for people with cancer and their loved ones. We are here for people newly diagnosed, during and after treatment, through long-term survivorship or advanced disease. All of our programs are provided free of charge.
You and your family members can choose to take part in a variety of programs designed to help you learn more about cancer, and to manage your treatment and recovery as effectively as possible. You can learn from others with cancer experiences. You can also use stress management and mind/body programs to assist in coping with cancer, strengthening your immune system, and moving toward recovery. At CSC Western Ohio, we strive to assure that no one faces cancer alone!
All Cancer Support Community Western Ohio programs are evidence and research-based, professionally led and are provided at no cost to members! We offer four kinds of programs and services – all of them related to assisting those diagnosed with cancer and their families.
CSC Western Ohio opened in February 2011 and is the first facility of its kind serving the 10 county region around Dayton and Springfield, Ohio – including Clark, Greene, Miami, and Montgomery Counties. We are one of 50 affiliates throughout the United States and internationally of the Cancer Support Community, headquartered in Washington, D.C.
In 2007, there were more than 1,444,900 cases of cancer diagnosed in the United States alone. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 6,500 cases are diagnosed each year in the Dayton and Springfield region- and this number is increasing as baby boomers age. With the chances of getting cancer one in two for men and one in three for women, most people have been touched by cancer, either themselves of through loved ones.
These statistics alone have created a high need for CSC to support those in our community affected by cancer and it’s all encompassing nature. The Cancer Support Community fills this need and provides a healing environment, community support and positive hope for all.
The health care community is increasingly aware of the importance of addressing psychological and social problems in the lives of patients in order to provide higher quality health care and promote better health. The Cancer Support Community Research & Training Institute examines the critical role of social and emotional support for those living with cancer and studies the distinctive needs of survivors and caregivers throughout each phase of the cancer experience and post treatment. CSC’s vision to build the Institute was shaped by our expertise and strong track record in research and training. CSC’s research has proven that, alongside medical therapy, the psychosocial benefit that members receive from our services greatly reduces their stress levels concerning their cancer diagnosis and helps to increase their quality of life.
We are constantly striving to evolve in order best support those affected by cancer. The Cancer Support Community offers programs directed at empowering our members to choose which solutions and mechanisms best suit their needs. Our current program consists of:
- Professionally lead group support sessions
- Financial advisors to discuss coping with the financial cost of cancer
- Mind, Body and Spirit classes to help reduce stress and increase health, ex: Thai Chi, Yoga
- A fully furnished library where information can be found
- Professional instruction on healthy cooking and nutrition regimens
- Comedy Night where members can share laughs
- Education on topics such as: individual diagnoses, side effects of cancers, and information any newly available treatments
- A comforting and supportive environment allowing members to share their feelings and stories with others in similar situations
