Self-help Groups
These are social groups usually facilitated and run by cancer survivors themselves. Groups focus mainly on bonding amongst cancer survivors. Each group meets once a month. The self-help groups include:
• Gynae-Oncology Self-Help Group
• Breast Cancer Self-Help Group
• Nasopharyngeal Cancer Self-Help Group
• The Revival Connection (for patients with cancer recurrence)
• The Mandarin Support Group
• Malay Support Group
Family Support Programmes
• Caregivers’ Support Programme
Nearly all support programmes provide opportunities for caregivers to share, learn and provide mutual support.
• Children’s Therapies Programme
There are young parents among cancer patients. These families may have young children who are mystified, frightened and saddened by the patient’s medical condition, but are unable to express this. The Children’s Therapies Programme, which includes art therapy, helps children express themselves when facing a family trauma.
Grief in Recovery Support Group
This programme targets people grieving the loss of someone close through cancer. It seeks to offer comfort and encouragement during this difficult time, as well as provide therapies for individuals going through complicated grief reactions.
For more information on NCCS’s Patient Education and Support Programmes, contact Programme Executive at: 65 6436 8117 or email nssghh@nccs.com.sg.
KK Women’s Cancer Support Group
The support group was started in 1991 by nurses and allied health professionals for KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) gynaecological cancer patients. The support group provides emotional and psychological support through counselling and befriending services.
The nurses and allied health professionals empower members by increasing their awareness about basic disease and symptom management, for example, management of lymphaedema and nutrition during cancer treatment. Social activities are also organised to create a platform for patients and their families to interact.
For enquiries, call the Gynaecological Cancer Centre at 65 6394 2138 or 65 6394 2160.
Cancer Helpline
This is an anonymous and confidential service that provides up-to-date information and emotional and psychological support through telephone, email or face-to-face counselling. This service is provided free nationwide, and is manned by cancer-trained nurse counsellors who are able to speak with callers in English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil.
Tel: 65 6225 5655
Email: cancerhelpline@nccs.com.sg
KK Hospital Alpine Blossoms Breast Cancer Support Group