A diagnosis of cancer can be devastating for both the patient and his or her family. Family roles may suddenly change. Underlying problems may come to the forefront. Support groups can offer an outlet for these worries and can help aid in treatment.

Reach to Recovery is a one-on-one support program for breast cancer patients. Volunteers are at least one-year post treatment and are trained by the American Cancer Society. These volunteers provide support to breast cancer patients throughout treatment.

The Look Good...Feel Better program is a community-based, free, national service that teaches female cancer patients beauty techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Volunteer beauty professionals lead small groups, usually consisting of six to 10 women, through practical, hands-on experience. Women learn about makeup techniques, skincare, nail care, and options related to hair loss such as wigs, turbans, and scarves. Each group program participant receives a free kit of cosmetics for use during and after the workshop.

A Cancer Support Group also is offered the first Wendesday of each month at 3 p.m., at the First Christian Church in Madisonville.

The Merle M. Mahr Cancer Center offers use of wigs free of cost to patients. The wigs are supplied to the Merle M. Mahr Cancer Center from various donors and students at the Madisonville Beauty College volunteer time washing and styling the wigs.