Our Impact
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1 in 3
people with cancer experience mental and emotional distress*
49%
were at risk for clinically significant levels of anxiety†
38%
were at risk for clinically significant levels of depression†
The suicide rate is 85% percent higher for people with cancer than the general population.‡
- * National Behavioral Health Network for Tobacco & Cancer Control
- † Cancer Experience Registry 2020
- ‡ Heinrich, M., Hofmann, L., Baurecht, H. et al. Suicide risk and mortality among patients with cancer. Nat Med 28, 852–859 (2022)
We believe psychosocial support, like the programs offered at Cancer Support Community, as a complement to medical care should be an integral part of cancer care and can have a positive impact on cancer patients and their families. At Gilda’s Club Quad Cities our goal is to increase the health and well-being of people impacted by cancer by increasing social interactions, giving a sense of control, and increasing feelings of hope and community.
We accomplish this through our evidence-informed program of support groups, educational workshops, healthy lifestyle activities, social connections and providing resources and referrals, all at NO COST to everyone who participates.
Cancer Support Community has seen encouraging trends in decreased levels of depression, anxiety and feeling of loneliness for individuals who attend our programs.
From January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois members reported the following…
- 89% felt less isolated and more connected to others
- 96% found our programs helped them better manage their or their loved ones diagnosis
- 80% of families with children said family communication was improved