Rebecca Whitlinger

A cancer diagnosis is life changing in many ways. The rounds of doctor visits, blood work and treatments eventually come to define the daily lives of patients and their caregivers.

Such a routine isn't easy, but the Cancer Caring Center, a regional charity based in the Bloomfield section of Pittsburgh, offers free services that provide emotional support to patients and their families. Special services are offered for children and teenagers.

The center offers individual services at its Bloomfield headquarters, support groups in Cranberry Township and 16 other locations, and a help line staffed during business hours.

“You're a survivor from the day you're diagnosed,” said Rebecca Whitlinger, the charity's executive director.

Since the Cancer Caring Center was founded in 1988, it has served more than 60,000 patients, Whitlinger said.

In Cranberry, support groups meet several times a month at UPMC Passavant-Cranberry, 1 Saint Francis Way. A breast cancer support group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays, and a general group meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays.

“We're Pittsburghers,” said Whitlinger. “We know people don't like to cross rivers,” she said of the 17 support group locations that the center provides.

Four new groups began this year, including Cranberry's breast cancer support group. All the groups are run by trained therapists, who try to keep the discussions upbeat.

“Negative terminology does not help,” Whitlinger said. “A good attitude is key.”

Whitlinger denies that age determines cancer outcomes. She proposes that family, a good support system, friends, a positive attitude and healthy living can all help to defeat the disease.

While some patients call the center immediately after they are diagnosed, others wait years until they are ready to talk, she said.

With the economic downturn, the center is seeing more patients who are underinsured and uninsured. It can provide contact information for patients to contact drug companies that are willing to provide financial assistance or free treatments.

In Bloomfield, groups have been formed to support patients suffering from lymphedema, a cancer-related condition marked by severe swelling, and for patients with brain tumors.

“We try to keep it personal,” Whitlinger said.

The center even keeps a small food pantry there where patients can pick up frozen foods so that they don't have to cook, and liquid food for those who need it.

The Cancer Caring Center’s help number is 412-622-1212. On the Web, the center’s address is www.cancercaring.org.