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Support Groups

Finding strength in cancer. 

Support groups give survivors, caregivers and others a chance to bond with those going through similar cancer care struggles. Below are listings for local cancer support groups throughout El Paso. Contact each group for more information: 

Friends Helping Friends - Breast Cancer Support Group 

Meet other women who have beat breast cancer. Share your survivor stories, find out how you can continue to stay healthy and how you can help others fighting breast cancer. Join us at the West and East Imaging Centers on the third Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. For additional information, call 915-577-7186 or 915-577-8442.

Cancer Support Group  

A cancer diagnosis is often one of the most stressful experiences in a person’s life.   Providing a safe place to share feelings, challenges and learning from others is a top priority for us at The Hospitals of Providence.  This general cancer support group meets the second Tuesday of every month at our Sierra campus.  For additional information, call 915-577-8442.  

More Information

Three Types of Colorectal Cancer Screenings

There is more than one way to determine the presence of colorectal cancer. Please see the chart below to understand the types of visual screening options so you can be prepared to talk with your doctor about which is best for you.

Screening Type Colonoscopy Sigmoidoscopy Virtual Colonoscopy (Computed Tomography Colonography)
 
How It Works A thin tube with a light and a lens for viewing is inserted into the entire length of the colon. The doctor can see and remove polyps or take tissue samples. The same process as a colonoscopy but focuses only on the lower (sigmoid) colon. A computer combines a series of x-rays of the colon that may show polyps or unusual activity.
Sedation Yes Not typical No
Benefits
  • Complete picture of colon
  • Remove polyps for biopsy
  • May find other diseases
  • Every 10 years if normal results
  • Fairly quick
  • Full bowel prep may not be necessary
  • Does not require a specialist
  • Every 5 years if normal results
  • Fairly quick
  • Complete picture of colon
  • Every 5 years if normal results
Limitations
  • Can miss small polyps
  • Cost
  • Need a driver due to sedation
  • Small risk of bleeding, bowel tear or infection
  • May miss a day of work
  • Only reviews about 1/3 of colon area
  • Can miss small polyps
  • Can’t remove all polyps
  • May be uncomfortable without sedation
  • If abnormal, need a follow up colonoscopy
  • Can miss small polyps
  • Can’t remove polyps during test
  • Small radiation exposure
  • If abnormal, need a follow up colonoscopy
  • New test, may have insurance coverage issues

 

Sources:
National Cancer Institute
American Cancer Society

Oncology Services