Cancer Self-Help Group Meeting: FSH 50th Anniversary Prep – Halle 2026
- Halle, Germany – February 25, 2026 – The Women's Self-Help for Cancer (FSH) group in Halle is hosting an exchange meeting for individuals affected by cancer, their families,...
- The FSH provides a crucial network of support for those navigating a cancer diagnosis.
- This year marks a significant milestone for the FSH as it prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Halle, Germany – – The Women’s Self-Help for Cancer (FSH) group in Halle is hosting an exchange meeting for individuals affected by cancer, their families, and anyone interested in learning more about the organization’s support services. The meeting will take place at at St. Elisabeth and St. Barbara Hospital, in the small hall on the 5th floor, located at Mauerstrasse 5, 06110 Halle (Saale).
The FSH provides a crucial network of support for those navigating a cancer diagnosis. The organization’s core philosophy centers on empowering individuals to actively participate in their own care and well-being, recognizing that shared experiences can offer invaluable guidance and encouragement. Members, all of whom have faced cancer themselves, offer support to others, helping them cope with the illness and reclaim a sense of agency in their lives.
A Legacy of Support: 50 Years of Women’s Self-Help
This year marks a significant milestone for the FSH as it prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Founded in Mannheim in 1976 under the name “Women’s Self-Help after Cancer,” the organization arose from a perceived lack of support for women facing a cancer diagnosis. The founders felt isolated and sought to create a community where individuals could share experiences and find strength in solidarity. Today, the FSH has grown into one of the largest cancer self-help organizations in Germany, boasting eleven regional associations and a widespread network of local groups.
The upcoming meeting in Halle will contribute to the preparations for the 50th-anniversary celebrations, which will culminate in a federal congress in Magdeburg in August. A key activity during the February meeting will be the creation of “fabric flags” – small, personalized banners that will be displayed at the congress. Participants will be invited to express their thoughts, feelings, and hopes on these flags, fostering a sense of collective identity and shared resilience.
According to the FSH, the act of creating these flags is a therapeutic process, allowing individuals to process their emotions, find courage through connection with others, and send a powerful message of hope and strength – embodying the organization’s motto: “courageous, colorful, active.”
More Than Just a Meeting: A Space for Connection and Empowerment
The FSH emphasizes that its meetings are not simply informational sessions, but rather opportunities for genuine human connection. While the February meeting will include preparations for the anniversary celebration, a significant portion of the time will be dedicated to open discussion and mutual support. The organization recognizes that cancer impacts not only those diagnosed with the disease but also their families and loved ones, and welcomes all those affected to participate.
The FSH’s approach is rooted in the belief that individuals are best equipped to navigate their own health journeys when they have access to information, support, and a sense of community. The group’s diverse experiences provide a valuable resource for addressing fears, learning coping mechanisms, and finding practical solutions to the challenges of living with cancer. Members share their knowledge and expertise, offering guidance on everything from managing daily life to understanding medical treatments.
Accessing Support and Information
For those seeking more information about the FSH in Saxony-Anhalt, or wishing to connect with the Halle/Saale group, several resources are available. Katrin Maasch, the state chairwoman, can be reached by phone at or by email at k.maasch@frauenselbsthilfe.de. Additional information can be found on the FSH website: https://www.frauenselbsthilfe.de/.
Local contact persons for the Halle/Saale group are Carola Schönau (caro-wo@gmx.de, ), Regina Schönberger (regschonb49@web.de), and Heike Naumann (heikenaumann@t-online.de).
The FSH’s core mission is to empower individuals to help themselves, recognizing that those who have experienced cancer are uniquely positioned to support others. By fostering a sense of community and providing access to information and resources, the organization aims to improve the quality of life for those affected by cancer and promote a more hopeful and resilient future.