Pancreatic Cancer Support Groups

On This Page:

• How Do You Find a Pancreatic Cancer Support Group?
• In-person Support and Networking Groups
• Online Support Groups
• One-on-One Support
• Survivor Stories
• General Cancer Support Groups
• Other Sources of Support

Pancreatic cancer can be stressful and scary for patients and their loved ones. But you are not alone. Talking to someone who has experienced a similar situation can be very helpful.

Anyone who has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, no matter where they are in their journey, and their loved ones should consider support groups.

Every cancer is different. Consider joining a support group specifically for pancreatic cancer to speak with others going through similar things.

Support is available in many ways. Connect with other survivors and caregivers in a way that meets your needs:

• Join an in-person support group
• Connect with others online
• Talk over the phone
• Connect one-on-one

How Do You Find a Pancreatic Cancer Support Group?

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network keeps an up-to-date list of pancreatic cancer support groups across the country. See listings on the pages linked below or contact PanCAN Patient Services for information about support groups near you.

You can also ask your healthcare team if they know of local support groups.

In-person Support and Networking Groups

Through in-person support and networking groups, you can share your experiences and connect face-to-face with others in your area. A professional counselor, social worker or nurse guides most in-person support groups.

Online Support Groups

Online support groups and forums may fit your needs if:

• No in-person support groups are near you
• You cannot travel to an in-person group
• You prefer to stay at home
• You want a more anonymous setting
• You want to meet a larger group of people facing pancreatic cancer
• You need more flexible timing

One-on-One Support

If you prefer to connect one-on-one over the phone or through email, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s Survivor & Caregiver Network can help. Share information, ask questions and gain support and inspiration by talking to others who have had similar experiences.

Survivor Stories

Many people also find reading survivor stories helpful. These stories share personal experiences, information and hope.

General Cancer Support Groups

Many local hospitals and treatment centers offer support groups for people facing all types of cancer. If there is not a support group specific to pancreatic cancer near you, but you still want to connect in-person with others locally for support, you may consider a broader group.

Ask your healthcare team about cancer support groups near you. PanCAN Patient Services also has resources to find general cancer support groups in your area.

Other Sources of Support

Support for the pancreatic cancer patient is critical to improve quality of life and overall well-being. Having a support system of caregivers, family, friends, healthcare professionals and a patient advocate is important to address and manage the needs of the patient. Learn more about building your support system.

Expert help from psychologists, counselors or other specialists in one-on-one settings may also help. Contact PanCAN Patient Services for resources to find professional support.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network hosts events nationwide that bring together people touched by the disease. If you are interested in joining them, learn how to get involved in your community.

We’re Here to Help

For free support resources, including a list of support groups near you and access to our Survivor & Caregiver Network, contact PanCAN Patient Services.

Related Topics

Information reviewed by PanCAN’s Scientific and Medical Advisory Board, who are experts in the field from such institutions as University of Pennsylvania, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Virginia Mason Medical Center and more.

Information provided by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Inc. (“PanCAN”) is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or other health care services. PanCAN may provide information to you about physicians, products, services, clinical trials or treatments related to pancreatic cancer, but PanCAN does not recommend nor endorse any particular health care resource. In addition, please note any personal information you provide to PanCAN’s staff during telephone and/or email communications may be stored and used to help PanCAN achieve its mission of assisting patients with, and finding cures and treatments for, pancreatic cancer. Stored constituent information may be used to inform PanCAN programs and activities. Information also may be provided in aggregate or limited formats to third parties to guide future pancreatic cancer research and education efforts. PanCAN will not provide personal directly identifying information (such as your name or contact information) to such third parties without your prior written consent unless required or permitted by law to do so. For more information on how we may use your information, you can find our privacy policy on our website at https://www.pancan.org/privacy/.