FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I attend activities before deciding to become a member?

Everyone interested in getting involved should first attend a Newcomer Meeting. During this orientation, you will hear about our history, mission, philosophy and program. You will also have an opportunity to introduce yourself and meet others impacted by cancer, including family members and friends. Participants are invited to attend educational lectures, healthy lifestyle workshops or social activities. Support groups require an initial conversation with the group facilitator. This is a time for you to learn more about the group and for the facilitator to get to know you. To schedule a time with a facilitator, please call us at 602-712-1006.

Can I bring my children to activities that I want to attend?

Children are welcome to attend activities that are labeled “Youth,” “Teen,” or “Family” activities. Other activities are geared towards adults only, and we ask that you do not bring children to those activities. Please reach out to a program staff member if you have any questions about age suitability.

Can I bring my friend or family member?

Yes, but we do encourage you to either list them as a guest when you register or have them register themselves. You are more than welcome to bring a guest to healthy lifestyle workshops, educational lectures, and social activities. If your loved one would like to join a support group, they will need to register and attend a Newcomer Meeting and complete their own intake process. Family members may not participate in the same weekly support group unless stated otherwise.

Can you tell me what treatment is best for me or give me a referral to a specialist?

CSCAZ does not provide medical advice or medical referrals of any kind, but we do provide educational lectures and workshops that empower you with relevant information. Through our affiliation with Cancer Support Community, we also offer a program called Open to Options. Open to Options is a free decision support counseling program that assists individuals with treatment-related decisions by identifying and prioritizing their questions and concerns for their healthcare team.

Do I have to be in a support group?

No. There are many ways to get involved and experience social and emotional support within our community setting, including social activities, healthy lifestyle activities, and educational workshops. Check out our calendar to see what’s coming up at our central and northern Arizona locations, as well as virtually.

Do you need volunteers?

We are always looking for warm, friendly individuals to volunteer. Our volunteer opportunities include working the front desk, helping with lectures and workshops, community outreach, helping with our events, and much more! To become a volunteer, fill out a volunteer application form.

Do you provide wigs or other medical supplies? Can I donate these items to CSCAZ?

We provide wigs at our Palm Lane campus in Phoenix and Flagstaff campus. We do not provide medical supplies. However, we can provide resources for needs we may not provide. If you would like to donate any items or need resources, please contact us at 602-712-1006.

Does CSCAZ offer one-on-one counseling?

CSCAZ programming is community-focused, which is why we have support groups. At this time, we can provide you with resources if you are interested in individual counseling. Our national affiliate, Cancer Support Community, also offers short-term counseling via the HelpLine.

How can I help?

There are a variety of ways you can help support CSCAZ and people impacted by cancer, including volunteering, referring a friend, purchasing a specialty license plate, and more. Donations from individuals, businesses, foundations and special events allow our programming to remain free of charge for anyone impacted by cancer.

How is CSCAZ funded?

CSCAZ is mostly privately funded and continues to rely on support from generous corporations, foundations, and individual donors. CSCAZ also hosts several fundraising events throughout the year and is fortunate to have individuals and organizations host their own events to benefit CSCAZ. These events provide both financial support and serve to increase awareness of our free program so that no one faces cancer alone. We are grateful for those who include us in their estate planning or make gifts in honor or memory of a loved one.

How much does it cost to join?

Membership is completely free of charge!

How often can I come?

You are welcome to come as often as you like. Monthly Support Groups require attendance at a Newcomer Meeting prior to registering and attending. Weekly Support Groups require attendance at a Newcomer Meeting and then a pre-group interview.

Is CSCAZ only open to people currently in cancer treatment?

No, our program is offered to anyone impacted by any type of cancer diagnosis at any point in their cancer experience: diagnosis through survivorship. This includes individuals living with cancer, their family members and friends, individuals who are post-treatment, and individuals who have lost someone to cancer. As part of the CSCAZ community, there are always opportunities to give and get support from someone who understands.

Is CSCAZ only for women?

No! CSCAZ is for adults, children and teens of all ages, identities, and backgrounds.

Does CSCAZ have programs for Native Americans?

Yes. In partnership with NAU/UA Native American Cancer Prevention teams, CSCAZ offers programming with a culturally sensitive approach to cancer care that focuses on the specific needs of our Native American communities.

Is it ok for me to come if I don’t have cancer?

In order to remain focused on our mission, we welcome those who have been diagnosed with cancer, those who have a friend or family member who has been diagnosed, or those who have lost someone to cancer.

What are the benefits of membership?

Services provided include weekly support groups, caregiver support groups, diagnosis-specific support groups, healthy lifestyle groups (cooking, yoga, strength and balance, etc.), therapeutic art classes, workshops, and social activities. We also provide resource and referral support, programming tailored to our Native American communities, as well as Latino programming in the same areas as described above in Spanish. Youth and teen services are provided through support groups and age-appropriate activities.