Oncology Support Services

At RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey we treat the whole patient and not just their disease. In addition to state-of-the-art treatments, our facilities also provide outstanding oncology support services including psychosocial support, nurse navigation, nutritional counseling, health and wellness programming, and general and disease-specific support groups. Our programs can help you manage stress, cope with the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis, deal with treatment and its side effects, and help you adjust to the many changes in your life.

Most of our support groups and wellness programs are virtual with a few in person at one of our facilities across the state. All programs are free and open to all RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey patients. Please contact the site’s facilitator with any questions or to register for the group/program.

Support Groups

General Cancer Support Groups

Bereavement Support Group (virtual)
This group provides support for patients in treatment and survivors with history of cancer.
Date(s): Second Tuesday of each month
Time: 6pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.


Cancer Support Group (virtual and in-person)
This group provides support for patients in treatment and survivors with history of cancer.
Date(s): Second Wednesday of each month
Time: 6pm
Host: Cancer Center Conference Room at Clara Maass Medical Center, 1 Clara Maass Drive, Belleville, NJ 07109.
Registration Contact: Michelle Ashley, RN, at 862-309-2971 or Michelle.Ashley2@rwjbh.org


Cancer Support Group (virtual)
This group provides support for patients in treatment and survivors with history of cancer.
Date(s): First Tuesday of each month
Time: 4pm
Host: Jersey City Medical Center
Registration Contact: Kristy Case, LCSW, Office: 201-915-2578 or Kristy.Case@rwjbh.org


Cancer Support Group (virtual)
This group provides support for patients in treatment and survivors with history of cancer.
Date(s): Last Tuesday of each month
Time: 12pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.


Cancer Support Group (virtual)
This group provides support for patients in treatment and survivors with history of cancer.
Date(s): Third Thursday of each month
Time: 1:30pm
Host: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Registration Contact: Leon Lejda 973-926-7565 or Leon.Lejda@rwjbh.org or Rachael Shuster 973-926-7976 or Rachael.Shuster@rwjbh.org


Latina Share (virtual)
This Spanish-speaking group provides support for gynecological and breast cancer patients.
Date(s): Various groups on various days
Time: various times
Host: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Registration Contact: Jennie Santiago (LatinaSHARE) 212-937-5585 or Jennie.Santiago@rwjbh.org


Living with Cancer Support Group (virtual)

For cancer patients and their caregivers. The group improves education, promotes mutual problem solving and facilitates sharing.
Date(s): Second and Fourth Wednesday of each month
Time: 5pm
Host: Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Registration Contact: Sharon Epps at 732-235-6792 or cinj_socialworkers@cinj.rutgers.edu


Men’s Cancer Support Group (virtual)
Serves as a support channel and place for our male patients to bring up issues of concern.
Date(s): Second Monday of each month
Time: 6pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.


Men’s Cancer Support Group (virtual)
Serves as a support channel and place for our male patients to bring up issues of concern.
Date(s): First Tuesday of each month AND Second and Fourth Wednesday of each month
Time: 11am AND 6:30pm
Host: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset

Registration Contact: 908-658-5400- extension 0


Post Treatment Support Group (virtual)
Date(s): Second Tuesday of each month
Time: 5pm
Host: Jersey City Medical Center
Registration Contact: Kristy Case, LCSW, 201-915-2578 or Kristy.Case@rwjbh.org

Support Groups

Disease-specific Support Groups

Better Breather’s Support Group (virtual)
For individuals who have COPD or other chronic lung disease such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis or lung cancer. Learn how other cope with lung illness and share strategies for improving your quality of life.
Date(s): Second Thursday of each month
Time: 10:30am
Host: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Registration Contact: Patricia.Halicki@rwjbh.org or 908-927-8714


Breast Cancer Support Group (in person)
This Support Group welcomes those who have received a Breast Cancer diagnosis in all phases of their journey. It offers participants the opportunity to share personal experiences and provides helpful resources and methods of coping with feelings of anxiety and distress.
Date(s): First Tuesday of each month in the lobby of The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton
Time: 6pm-7:30pm
Host: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton
Registration Contact: Patty Hutman Parker, RN, at 609-584-2836 or Patricia.Hutman@rwjbh.org or Roberta Weiner, LCSW, Roberta.Weiner@rwjbh.org at 609-584-6680.


Breast Cancer Support Group (virtual)
Date(s): Last Wednesday (virtual) of each month at 6pm
Time: 6pm (Wednesday)
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.


Gastrointestinal Support Group (virtual)
Helps improve the education of patients with this disease, provide the opportunity to receive information and to facilitate sharing among GI cancer survivors.
Date(s): Third Wednesday of each month
Time: 4pm
Host: Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Registration Contact: Sharon Epps at 732-235-6792 or cinj_socialworkers@cinj.rutgers.edu


Head and Neck Cancer Support Group
Helps improve the education of patients with this disease, provide the opportunity to receive information and to facilitate sharing among GI cancer survivors.
Host: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Registration Contact: Ilana Silver, LCSW at 973-322-2743 or Ilana.Silver@rwjbh.org


Lung Cancer Support Group (hybrid)
For members impacted by a lung cancer diagnosis.
Date(s): Third Thursday of each month
Time: 12pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.


Multiple Myeloma Support Group (virtual)
Date(s): First Wednesday of each month
Time: 6:30pm
Host: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Registration Contact: 908-876-3967


SPOHNC Oral/Head/Neck Support Group (virtual)
Date(s): Second Thursday of each month
Time: 6pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.


Time to Talk Breast Cancer Support Group (virtual)
Helps improve the education of patients with this disease, provide the opportunity to receive information and to facilitate sharing among breast cancer survivors.
Date(s): Second Monday of each month AND Fourth Monday of each month
Time: 2pm AND 7pm
Host: Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Registration Contact: Sharon Epps at 732-235-6792 or cinj_socialworkers@cinj.rutgers.edu


Wellness Programs

Wellness Programs

Acupressure for Self-Care (virtual)
Identify and work with acupressure points on the body for self-care.
Date(s): First Tuesday of each month
Time: 12pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.


Breathing for Relaxation (virtual)
Date(s): Third Friday of each month
Time: 6pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.


Chair Stretch (virtual)
Date(s): Third Tuesday of each month
Time: 6pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.


Chair Yoga (virtual)
Yoga designed for individuals who have difficulty sitting on the floor comfortably and getting up again easily.
Date(s): Every Thursday
Time: 12:30pm
Host: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Registration Contact: Patricia.Halicki@rwjbh.org or 908-927-8714


Cultural Connection, Celebrating Diversity (virtual)
Celebrate diversity through discussions related to cultural experiences.
Date(s): First Monday of each month or Spiritual Reflections 6pm (each program is offered every other month)
Time: 6pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.


Game Night (virtual)
Date(s): Second Friday of each month
Time: 6pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.


Gentle Yoga (virtual)
Yoga designed for individuals who are able to sit on the floor comfortably and get up again without difficulty.
Date(s): Every Tuesday
Time: 1:30pm
Host: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Registration Contact: Patricia.Halicki@rwjbh.org or 908-927-8714


Gentle Yoga (virtual)
Yoga designed for individuals who are able to sit on the floor comfortably and get up again without difficulty.
Date(s): Fourth Friday of each month
Time: 10am
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.


Guided Imagery (virtual)
Open to all
Date(s): Second Tuesday of each month AND Fourth Tuesday of each month
Time: 2pm AND 2pm
Host: Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Registration Contact: Sharon Epps at 732-235-6792 or cinj_socialworkers@cinj.rutgers.edu


Journey Through Music (virtual)
Experience the inspiration and benefits of music on this journey through various genres. How music can be used as a support and coping mechanism through your cancer journey.
Date(s): First Friday of each month
Time: 6pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.


Laughing Chair Yoga (virtual)
Learn the benefits of experiencing laughter through this yoga practice.
Date(s): Fourth Friday of each month
Time: 11am
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.


Mindfulness Meditation (virtual)
Date(s): First Wednesday of each month AND last Thursday of each month
Time: 6pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.


Mindfulness Meditation (virtual)
Open to all
Date(s): First Friday of each month AND Third Thursday of each month
Time: 8am AND 5pm
Host: Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Registration Contact: Sharon Epps at 732-235-6792 or cinj_socialworkers@cinj.rutgers.edu


Mindful Yoga (virtual)
Date(s): First Friday of each month
Time: 11am
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.


Seated Gentle Yoga (virtual)
Yoga designed for individuals who have difficulty sitting on the floor comfortably and getting up again easily.
Date(s): Fourth Friday of each month
Time: 11am
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.


Seated Qi gong (virtual)
Date(s): First Monday at 11am and Third Monday at 6pm of each month
Time: 11am AND 6pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.


Seated Tai Chi Easy (virtual)
Date(s): Second and Fourth Tuesday
Time: 11:15am
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.


Seated Zumba Gold (virtual)
Date(s): Second Monday of each month at 11am AND Fourth Monday of each month at 6pm
Time: 11am AND 6pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.


Spiritual Reflections (virtual)
Discussion and reflection on topics related to spirituality throughout one’s cancer journey.
Date(s): First Monday of each month or Cultural Connection, Celebrating Diversity 6pm (each program is offered every other month).
Time: 6pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.


Virtual Yoga classes (virtual)
Date(s): Mondays and Fridays
Time: 6pm and 10:30am
Host: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Registration Contact: Please call 973-322-7007.


Wellness Workout (virtual)
All are invited at any age and any stage in their cancer journey. Learn a variety of progressive exercises using your body weight and any other resistance equipment available in your home. Gain confidence and focus on movement patterns while building balance, flexibility and strength.
Date(s): Every Tuesday and Friday
Time: 11am
Host: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Registration Contact: Patricia.Halicki@rwjbh.org or 908-927-8714


  • Individualized Cancer Wellness Program for Cooperman Barnabas patients only. It provides 2 nutritional counseling sessions, exercise (12 week program), yoga (twice a week) and 2 sessions of massage therapy.
  • Art therapy program-individual and group services to patients undergoing treatment at Cooperman Barnabas Cancer Center

Patient Stories

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Patient Stories

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Medical Specialty Services at Bayonne
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Bayonne, NJ 07002
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Cristie Kerr Women's Health Center
377 Jersey Avenue
Ground Floor, Medical Office Building
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(877) 393-5374
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Center for Breast Health and Disease Management - Westfield
560 Springfield Ave
Westfield, NJ 07090
(973) 322-7020
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Barnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center
200 South Orange Avenue
Livingston, NJ 07039
(973) 322-7000
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Community Medical Center’s Comprehensive Breast Center
368 Lakehurst Rd
1st Floor
Toms River, NJ 08755
(732) 557-3363
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The Jacqueline M. Wilentz Breast Center at Howell
4013 Route 9
Suite 2S
Howell, NJ 07731
(732) 923-7700
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The Jacqueline M. Wilentz Breast Center at Colts Neck
310 Route 34 South
Second Floor
Colts Neck, NJ 07722
(732) 923-7700
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Madeline Fiadini LoRe Foundation Infusion Center
414 Grand Street
Suite 9
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 915-2730
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The Jacqueline M. Wilentz Breast Center at Monmouth Medical Center
300 Second Avenue
Long Branch, NJ 07740
(732) 923-7700
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Jersey City Medical Center Radiation Oncology
631 Grand Street
Jersey City, NJ 07304
(844) 226-2376
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Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
94 Old Short Hills Road
Livingston, NJ 07039
(973) 322-5000
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Monmouth Medical Center
300 Second Avenue
Long Branch, NJ 07740
(732) 222-5200
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Clara Maass Medical Center
1 Clara Maass Drive
Belleville, NJ 07109
(973) 450-2000
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Community Medical Center
99 Highway 37 West
Toms River, NJ 08755
(732) 557-8000
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Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
201 Lyons Avenue at Osborne Terrace
Newark, NJ 07112
(973) 926-7000
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Children's Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
201 Lyons Avenue at Osborne Terrace
Newark, NJ 07112
(973) 926-7000
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Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
195 Little Albany St.
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 235-2465
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Jersey City Medical Center
355 Grand Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 915-2000
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The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital at RWJUH
200 Somerset Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 828-3000
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RWJ University Hospital Rahway
865 Stone Street
Rahway, NJ 07065
(732) 381-4200
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RWJ University Hospital Somerset
110 Rehill Avenue
Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 685-2200
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The Jacqueline M. Wilentz Breast Center at Lakewood
600 River Ave
Lakewood, NJ 08701
(732) 923-7700
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Trinitas Regional Medical Center – Williamson Street Campus
225 Williamson St
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
(908) 994-5000
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The Unterberg Children's Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center
300 2nd Avenue
Long Branch, NJ 07740
(732) 923-7250
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100 State Route 36 West
West Long Branch, NJ 07764
(732) 222-6046
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RWJ University Hospital Hamilton
1 Hamilton Health Place
Hamilton, NJ 08690
(609) 586-7900
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Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
1 Robert Wood Johnson Place
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 828-3000
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Center for Breast Health and Disease Management - Livingston
200 South Orange Avenue
Suite 102
Livingston, NJ 07039
(973) 322-7020
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Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
600 River Avenue
Lakewood, NJ 08701
(732) 363-1900
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The Family Health Center (FHC) at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
166 Lyons Avenue
Newark, NJ 07112
(973) 926-7000
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Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
125 Paterson Street
Clinical Academic Building (CAB)
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 235-6200
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Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical Group at Monroe
800 Bunn Drive
Suite 303
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 655-5178
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Laurie Proton Therapy Center
141 French Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 253-3176
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Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical Group
18 Centre Drive
Clinical Academic Building (CAB)
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(609) 655-5178
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Cancer Center at RWJ Hamilton
2575 Klockner Road
Hamilton Township, NJ 08690
(609) 631-6960
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