The Power of Group Support on CancerBuddy™

By Christina Merrill, MSW

When someone hears the words, “You have cancer,” life immediately changes.

Beyond the medical appointments, treatment plans, and side effects, there is something less visible but just as profound, the emotional impact. The questions. The uncertainty. The isolation.

That is where group support becomes transformative.

At CancerBuddy™, our groups are designed to ensure that no one walks through cancer alone. They are ongoing, moderated communities inside the app where patients, survivors, and caregivers can connect with others who truly understand what they are experiencing.

Because while friends and family may offer love and encouragement, there is something uniquely powerful about hearing: “I’ve felt that too”

Why Group Support Matters
Cancer is not just a medical diagnosis; it is a lived experience. And that experience evolves.

Needs shift from diagnosis to treatment. From treatment to survivorship. From physical symptoms to emotional processing. From fear to resilience and sometimes back again.

Group support offers shared lived experience, normalization of emotions, practical coping strategies, reduced isolation, and ongoing community connection.

Research and clinical experience consistently show that peer support improves emotional well-being, reduces distress, and strengthens coping. As an oncology social worker, I have seen firsthand how powerful it can be when someone feels understood by others walking a similar path.

A few of our CancerBuddy™ Groups

Breast Cancer Group: A space for individuals navigating breast cancer from newly diagnosed to survivorship to share experiences, treatment insights, emotional challenges, and resilience.

Metabolic Nutrition Group: Focused on the intersection of cancer and metabolic health, this group explores nutrition, treatment-related changes, and strategies for supporting the body during and after cancer.
Colorectal Cancer Group: A supportive environment for those facing colorectal cancer to discuss treatment realities, side effects, surgical recovery, survivorship, and quality of life concerns.

Hodgkin’s & Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Groups: A community for individuals navigating lymphoma, providing space to discuss diagnosis, treatment pathways, recurrence fears, and long-term recovery.
Counseling Support Group: A moderated space focused on emotional processing, coping skills, anxiety management, and navigating the psychological impact of cancer.

Adolescents & Young Adults (AYA) Group: Cancer at a young age presents unique challenges from fertility concerns, dating, career disruption, identity shifts and navigating the healthcare system at such a young age. This group creates a space specifically for adolescents and young adults to connect with peers who understand this distinct experience.

Ongoing, Not One-Time
Unlike traditional short-term programs, CancerBuddy™ groups are ongoing communities inside the app. Members can return when they need support, step back when they need space, and re-engage as life evolves.

Our groups are designed to move with you. A Community Built on Shared Strength. It is about someone saying: “I’ve been there,” “That’s normal,” “You’re not the only one,” and “You can get through this.”

CancerBuddy™ exists to reduce isolation and increase connection. Our groups create safe, moderated environments where members can ask questions, share fears, celebrate milestones, and build resilience together.

Because cancer is hard. But it is harder alone. And no one should have to face it without community.