What is Cancer Support Community–Central Indiana?

Cancer Support Community is a not-for-profit organization that provides psychological and social support for people with cancer and their families. Services include weekly support groups, mind/body stress management programs, educational workshops, and networking/social activities.

Who does Cancer Support Community–Central Indiana serve?

Cancer Support Community–Central Indiana serves individuals with cancer who desire to improve quality of life and be an active partner with their physicians and healthcare team. Men and women of all ages and cancer diagnoses, as well as their loved ones (family, friends, support persons), are welcome to attend the programs. People who have had cancer and have completed medical treatments also attend to maintain their health while focusing on survivorship issues. A doctor's referral is not needed.

What is the story behind Cancer Support Community?

Cancer Support Community was founded by Dr. Harold Benjamin, Ph.D. in Santa Monica, California in 1982. As a result of experience with his wife's breast cancer and through subsequent years of study on the psychological and social impact of cancer, Dr. Benjamin formulated the Patient Active Concept. This revolutionary idea would be recognized years later at Walt Disney World EPCOT Metropolitan Life exhibit as one of the most significant developments in the evolution of modern health care. From Dr. Benjamin's first program in a little yellow house in Santa Monica, Cancer Support Community has grown to more than twenty facilities throughout the country and abroad. Cancer Support Community was chartered by the National organization in the fall of 1993 and opened its doors to receive its first program participants on June 5, 1995. In the years since that opening day, CSC-CI has recorded more than 50,000 visits from people with cancer and their loved ones.

What does it cost to participate?

Absolutely nothing...all programs and services are FREE. Cancer Support Community – Central Indiana is a not-for-profit organization and does not charge for any of its services. Financial support is obtained through taxdeductible contributions from generous individuals, community-minded businesses, charitable foundations, and from special fundraising events.

Do participants follow a specific program?

Participants decide for themselves which parts of the program will help them improve their own well-being.

What is the program philosophy?

At the center of Cancer Support Community–Central Indiana’s program philosophy is the innovative Patient Active Concept developed in 1982 by Harold Benjamin, PhD, founder of Cancer Support Community.

It says:

Cancer patients who participate in their fight for recovery—along with their physician and healthcare team—rather than being hopeless, helpless, passive victims of the illness, will improve the quality of their lives and may enhance the possibility of their recovery.

Is there research to support what you do?

All the programs at Cancer Support Community–Central Indiana are based on mind/body research that shows how you think and feel can have an effect on the immune system. A survey of the men and women who attended our program recently, asked the benefits of attending programs. The top answers that came back to us were improved quality of life, increased feelings of control, increased feelings of hope and connections with others who share similar concerns. We also hear stress management as another important benefit. One person wrote in a comment to the survey question that simply said, “feeling normal.” How important is that when you and your family are going through something so life altering!

Are medical services available at Cancer Support Community–Central Indiana?

No. Cancer Support Community does not have a medical staff. Individuals seek their own medical treatment as they deem necessary. Cancer Support Community – Central Indiana helps people with cancer and their loved ones by providing a professional program of emotional support, education and hope.

Is Cancer Support Community–Central Indiana program an alternative to medical treatment?

No. The program is meant to support the treatment prescribed by a patient's healthcare team and is not a substitute for conventional medical care. Many physicians, however, refer their patients to Cancer Support Community – Central Indiana as a complement to their medical regimen.

Tell me about the staff at Cancer Support Community–Central Indiana?

The organization employs three full-time professional staff members, one full-time administrative staff member, and four part-time professional clinical program facilitators. Subcontractors are used to provide additional program expertise as necessary.

Where is Cancer Support Community–Central Indiana currently located?

The main facility is located on the northwest side of Indianapolis at:
5150 W. 71st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46268
(Across from the Kroger Complex at 71st, & Georgetown Rd.)

We also offer some off-site programming at area hospitals.

Are there other Wellness Communities?

Cancer Support Community-Central Indiana is an affiliate of a national organization, consisting of more than 20 facilities. All offer a uniform program and follow national quality standards. However, each Community is financially independent and operates with its own Board of Trustees. Cancer Support Community national office is located in Washington, DC.