Cancer Support and Programs
We offer a number of support groups and other programs for those with cancer as well as their loved ones. Registration is required for all support groups and classes. See descriptions for details and location.
Location key for in-person options:
Hearst Cancer Resource Center (HCRC), 1941 Johnson Avenue, Suite 201, SLO
Marian Health & Wellness Center (MHW), 1207 East Main Street, Santa Maria
Mission Hope Cancer Center (MHCC-SM), 1325 East Church Street, Santa Maria
Mission Hope Cancer Center (MHCC-AG), 850 Fair Oaks Avenue, Arroyo Grande
Support Groups
Nutrition and Exercise Support
Led by Dietitian Ruth Farrell, MPH, RDN, and John Malinowski, ACSM-CET, Cancer Exercise Trainer
Tuesday, July 9, 2 to 3 p.m.
Building for Healthy Bones
Bone health is the foundation for overall health. Learn how you can support your bones through healthy lifestyle choices.
Tuesday, August 13, 2 to 3 p.m.
Beat the Heat
Feeling dehydrated? We will discuss the ways dehydration can negatively affect the body and practical steps you can take to prevent it.
Tuesday, September 10, 2 to 3 p.m.
Back to Basics: Nutrition and Exercise for Cancer Survivorship
We uncover the most important habits to implement when it comes to cancer prevention.
Location:
Mission Hope Cancer Center, Conference Room
1325 East Church Street, Santa Maria
The class seating is limited; please register at 805.219.HOPE (4673).
All Blood Cancer Support Group
Helping individuals and families cope with diagnosis and treatment of Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma and Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). This group alternates in-person (January, March, May, July, September, November) and Zoom (February, April, June, August, October, December).
Hearst Cancer Resource Center, In-person and Zoom
2nd Wednesday; 1PM
Call 805-542-6234 to RSVP
Grupo de Apoyo de Cáncer
(Spanish Support Group)
Si usted o alguien de su familia sufre de cáncer, acompáñenos para discutir temas de como combatir y sobrevivir la enfermedad.
Hearst Cancer Resource Center (Zoom)
El segundo martes de cada mes;
3PM
Llame a Teresa al 805-458-4526
Breast Cancer Support Group
A support group focusing on breast cancer, the journey and sharing valuable information and resources.
Hearst Cancer Resource Center, in-person
3rd Tuesday; 5:45PM
Hearst Cancer Resource Center (Zoom)
Tuesdays (except 3rd); 5:45PM
Call 805-542-6234 to RSVP
Mission Hope Cancer Center - Santa Maria (Zoom)
1st and 3rd Tuesdays; 4PM
Please call 805-346-3402 to register
Breast Cancer Support Group for Young Women
Our newest breast cancer support group addresses the unique challenges
young women face. We provide resources, support and education.
Mission Hope Cancer Center - Santa Maria
Last Wednesday of the month; 5:30PM
RSVP required; call 805-346-3405
Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group
This group is specifically designed for the unique needs of metastatic cancer patients.
Mission Hope Cancer Center - Santa Maria
3rd Wednesday; 1PM
Option for zoom or in-person; call 805-346-3405 to RSVP
Cancer Patient Support Group
For newly diagnosed patients or recently out of treatment, we are here to offer support and help patients gain a sense of family with others in a similar part of their journey.
Hearst Cancer Resource Center
2nd Tuesday; 1–2:30PM
Hearst Cancer Resource Center (Zoom)
4th Tuesday; 1–2:30PM
Call 805-542-6234 to RSVP
Family Caregiver Support
Get together with those who understand their concerns, share helpful strategies and lend support.
Hearst Cancer Resource Center
Call 805-542-6234 for support
Mission Hope Cancer Center - Santa Maria
3rd Wednesday; 1PM
Call 805-219-4673 to RSVP
Gynecologic Cancer Support Group
Individuals with gynecologic cancers share experiences and establish a support system.
Mission Hope Cancer Center - Santa Maria (Zoom)
2nd Tuesday; 4:30 PM
Call 805-346-3441 to register
Living with Advanced Cancer Support Group
A safe haven for patients to find comfort and support in navigating an advanced or metastatic cancer. Learn to make informed choices, implement important life changes, develop new attitudes, and forge meaningful personal connections.
Hearst Cancer Resource Center (Zoom)
1st and 3rd Thursday; 3PM
Call 805-542-6234 to RSVP
Other Programs
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a popular treatment for health complaints, including anxiety, pain and insomnia.
Hearst Cancer Resource Center
3rd Monday; 2:30PM
Call 805-542-6234 to RSVP
Aquatic Therapy Class
Exercising in water reduces the impact on joints by 50%. Benefits include joint flexibility and less pain.
Allan Hancock College (Santa Maria)
1st and 3rd Friday
RSVP and assessment required; please call John Malinowski at 805-346-3413 (SM) or 805-474-5334 (AG)
Art Therapy
Art workshops employing a variety of techniques to help boost creative expression. Materials provided.
Mission Hope Cancer Center - Santa Maria and Arroyo Grande
RSVP SM: 805-219-4673 AG: 805-474-5334
Beauty and You
Visit our appearance center to regain a renewed sense of self and confidence. Learn skin care tips, the art of applying make-up. Free hats and wigs.
Hearst Cancer Resource Center
Call 805-542-6234 to register
Cancer Well-Fit
A supervised 10-week exercise program for first year survivors and those within two years post treatment. Physician medical release required.
Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa
Call 805-595-7600 x122
Paso Robles Sports Club
Call Kathy at 805-610-6486
Circuit Training
Circuit training is a form of exercise that involves both aerobic and anaerobic exercises done in a circuit, one exercise after another which targets strength building and muscular endurance. A typical class will consist of 6-10 different exercises done three or more times per workout. The intensity level will be modified to fit your needs.
Marian Health & Wellness Center
Wednesdays (except holidays)
Reservation and assessment required; please call 805-346-3413
Cancer Rehabilitation
A 12-week program which includes group strengthening and aquatic exercise. Each participant meets one-on-one with our Certified Exercise Trainer to develop your personal fitness goals which are tailored to your specific needs and abilities for an individualized program.
Marian Health & Wellness Center and Mission Hope Cancer Center-AG
Reservation and assessment required; please call 805-346-3413 (Santa Maria) or 805-474-5334 (Arroyo Grande)
Energy Balancing
Certified practitioners help promote relaxation, decrease stress and enhance well-being.
Hearst Cancer Resource Center
2nd Monday; 11AM
Hearst Cancer Resource Center (Zoom)
4th Monday; 11AM
Call 805-542-6234 to RSVP
Fight Against Falls Exercise Class
Participants gain the knowledge to reduce the risk of falls in addition to conditioning the muscles to battle muscle fatigue and gain strength.
Marian Health & Wellness Center
Fridays
Reservation and assessment required; please call 805-346-3413
Mission Hope Cancer Center-AG
Thursdays
Reservation and assessment required; please call 805-474-5334
First Steps in Nutrition and Physical Activity
An exciting class which combines nutrition advice with practical exercise tips.
Mission Hope Cancer Center - Santa Maria
2nd Tuesday; 2PM
Call 805-219-4673 to RSVP
Gentle Stretching for Beginners
In this class we perform static stretching which means we gently move our body through a range of motion that causes a slight pull on the intended muscle group we are targeting—no pain involved.
Mission Hope Cancer Center-AG
Thursdays
Reservation and assessment required; please call 805-474-5334
Guided Meditation
Experience a gentle guided meditation session.
Hearst Cancer Resource Center (Zoom)
1st Wednesday; 5PM
Call 805-542-6234 to RSVP
Intuitive Collage
Explore ideas using colorful pictures, meaningful words and phrases that appeal to you in a personal way.
Hearst Cancer Resource Center
3rd Friday; 2–4PM
Call 805-542-6234 to register
Music for Teens
Join Joey to learn how to create beats and computer generated music. Open to teens affected personally by cancer themselves or in their family.
Hearst Cancer Resource Center (Zoom)
1st Wednesday; 4:15PM
Call 805-542-6234 to RSVP
Look Good Feel Better Live!
Free workshops to help patients mitigate the appearance-related issues of cancer treatments. Topics include skincare and makeup (cosmetic kit included) and wigs/ head coverings. Includes wardrobe tips to manage concerns such as infusion ports, mastectomy and reconstruction and more.
Virtual/Zoom Meeting
For more information, please call 805-219-4673
¡DISPONIBLE EN ESPAÑOL!
Favor de llamar para una cita a 805-346-3410
Lymphedema Prevention Exercise
Systematic exercise can play a major role in avoiding the onset of lymphedema. This therapeutic exercise class is designed for breast cancer survivors and those battling chronic conditions.
Marian Health & Wellness Center
Tuesdays (except holidays)
Reservation and assessment required; please call 805-346-3413
Mission Hope Cancer Center-AG
Mondays (except holidays)
Reservation and assessment required; please call 805-474-5334
Pelvic Floor Strengthening for Men with Prostate Cancer
There are ways to reduce or manage the side effects of prostate cancer. This class benefits men with issues such as urinary or fecal incontinence, weak core muscles and/or general deconditioning.
Marian Health & Wellness Center, SM
2nd Friday
Reservation and assessment required; please call 805-346-3413
Qigong Class
Involves repetitive, flowing movements coordinated with deep- breathing which increase energy and improves health, balance, flexibility and stamina.
Hearst Cancer Resource Center (outside)
EVERY WEDNESDAY; 3:00 PM
Please call 805-542-6234 to RSVP
Tai Chi Chih
This exercise uses slow, rhythmic movements which helps to promote circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system, as well as improve energy, balance and flexibility.
Hearst Cancer Resource Center (hosted offsite)
EVERY WEDNESDAY; 11:00 AM
Please call 805-542-6234 to RSVP
TRX Workouts
TRX is a form of suspension training that uses body weight exercises to develop strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously.
Mission Hope Cancer Center-AG
Thursdays
Reservation and assessment required; please call 805-474-5334
Warm Yarns Knitting and Crocheting Support Group
Friends and caregivers at all experience levels are welcome to join. Instructions, needles and yarn are provided.
Mission Hope Cancer Center - Santa Maria
Mondays (except holidays); 2:00 PM
Please call 805-219-4673 to register
Yoga for Cancer Patients and Survivors
Gentle yoga is practiced to reduce stress, restore health, and move the body in the direction of balance.These classes feature slower paced movements focusing on alignment, strength, balance, and flexibility. No experience required; please bring a yoga mat.
Hearst Cancer Resource Center (Zoom)
3rd Thursday; 4PM
Call 805-542-6234 to RSVP
Marian Health & Wellness Center
Thursdays
Reservation and assessment required, please call 805-346-3413
Mission Hope Cancer Center-AG
Mondays
Reservation and assessment required; please call 805-474-5334
Your Story Matters
This course is filled with discovering, writing, and sharing your own remarkable life stories as well as reflecting on why your story matters. No writing experience is necessary.
Mission Hope Cancer Center - SM
1st and 3rd Thursday; 3PM
Reservations required; please call 805-219-4673