Patient Resources
Patient Resources & Social Services
Southern Cancer Center’s experienced, licensed social services department is committed to ensuring that our patients have access to the psychological, social, practical and spiritual support and resources they need. Cancer affects more than your physical health, so we are here to provide resources to address any peripheral problems related to your diagnosis. Our services are provided in person, over the phone or in a group setting, and do not require a referral from a physician or medical team.
“Bell Ringers” Support Groups
We offer multiple support groups to assist our patients and their families in coping with their cancer journey. Our “Bell Ringers” groups are free to attend and open to all individuals touched by cancer, including those who did not received their treatment at Southern Cancer Center. Group meetings are held monthly in both Mobile and Baldwin Counties and sessions typically last one hour.
Although many people receive support from friends and family, the number one reason patients join a support group is to be with others who have similar cancer experiences. Some research shows that joining a support group improves both quality of life and survival. Our members often share the same struggles and come together to support each other and suggest new ways of dealing with a particular problem. We understand that joining a support group for the first time can be uncomfortable. Everything that takes place in this setting is confidential and will not be shared outside of these groups.
Information Resources
- Chemocare: chemocare.com
- CancerNet: cancer.gov
- NCI’s Comprehensive Cancer Database: cancer.gov/types
- Cancer Prevention and Control: cdc.gov/cancer
- Mayo Clinic: mayoclinic.org
- American Cancer Society: cancer.org
Camps for Cancer Patients
- Camp Rap-A-Hope – Camp for children with cancer. Mobile, AL. 251-343-3042 | rapahope.org
- Camp Bluebird – Adult camp for cancer survivors. Mobile, AL. | providencehospitalfoundation.org
Patient Assistance Foundations
Advanced Directives
- Advanced Directive Brochure
- Advanced Directive Forms
Organizations / Support Groups
- American Cancer Society, 1-800-ACS-2345 or cancer.org
- Cancer Care, Inc., 1-800-813-HOPE (4673) or cancercare.org
- Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation, 1-800-366-2223 or acco.org
- CaringBridge: keep family and friends up-to-date and share what’s happening, support.caringbridge.org
- International Myeloma Foundation, 1-800-452-2873 or myeloma.org
- Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 1-800-955-4572 or lls.org
- Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, 1-877-363-6376 or curemeso.org
- National Hospice and Palliative Cares Organization, 1-800-658-8898 or nhpco.org
- National Breast Cancer Coalition, 1-800-622-2838 or stopbreastcancer.org
- National Colon Cancer Alliance, 1-877-422-2030 or ccalliance.org
- National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, 1-877-622-7937 or canceradvocacy.org
- National Lymphedema Network, 1-800-541-3259 or lymphnet.org
- National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, 1-888-682-7426 or ovarian.org
- National Brain Tumor Foundation, 1-800-934-2973 or braintumor.org
- National Cancer Institute, 1-800-4CANCER or cancer.gov
- Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, 1-202-331-1332 or ocrahope.org
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1-877-272-6226 or pancan.org
- Patient Advocate Foundation, 1-800-532-5274 or patientadvocate.org
- People Living with Cancer, cancer.net
- Sister’s Network – A National African-American Breast Cancer Survivorship Organization, 1-866-781-1808 or sistersnetworkinc.org
- Support People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer, 1-800-377-0928 or spohnc.org
- Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 1-800-462-9173 or komen.org
- United Ostomy Association, Inc., 1-800-826-0826 or ostomy.org
- US TOO! International, Inc., Support for prostate cancer survivors. ustoo.org
- Yule Brenner Head and Neck Cancer Foundation, Inc., 1-843-792-6624 or headandneck.org
- What Matters Now: keep family and friends up-to-date and share what’s happening, whatmattersnow.org
Support Services
LYMPHEDEMA MANAGEMENT AND CANCER REHABILITATION
We refer patients struggling with lymphedema to physical therapy programs that offer specialized lymphedema care. We also refer patients to wellness programs developed for cancer survivors.
PATIENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Our financial counselor is here to assist you in various areas of financial need, including help with financial assistance applications for patients who qualify. We also offer personalized payment plans for any financial obligation you may have.
If you have questions about a bill or statement from us, our financial counselor can answer those questions as well. We also provide assistance with paperwork for disability claims, cancer policies, Family Medical Leave, power of attorney, handicapped parking, and many other forms you may need to complete.
ASSISTANCE IN ARRANGING ADDITIONAL CARE SERVICES
Our clinical staff will assist in arranging home health care and hospice services if they are necessary. Your physician will discuss these treatment options with you.
HELPING YOU LOCATE A CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
There are cancer support group links under the Resources page on our website. There are also local groups we can connect you with, such as the American Cancer Society “Look Good Feel Good” program. These programs will be discussed with you at your visit.
LODGING AND SUPPORTIVE COMPANIONSHIP
We can work with you to provide lodging and supportive companionship for out-of-town patients and families at the Blount Hospitality House. The Blount Hospitality House was the first hospitality house in the state of Alabama. It was completed in 1988 and has served over 30,000 guests from 58 Alabama counties, 44 other states, and 13 foreign countries.
The American Cancer Society can also help with lodging needs.