The staff of Forum Health's Cancer CareCenters provides the best medical treatment possible as well as the social, emotional, and spiritual support that can enhance the quality of life of patients, their families and friends. Our team of physicians, social workers, oncology nurses, pastoral care advisors, dietitians, psychologists, child life and educational specialists, patient care coordinator, clinical nurse specialist, patient/community educators and physical therapists are sensitive to the needs of cancer patients and their loved ones. They are available to provide support every step of the way, beginning with diagnosis and continuing through treatment and after care.

Forum Health offers several free programs that provide patients, their friends and families an opportunity to share information and concerns with other cancer patients, families and health care professionals. The goal of these programs is to help you help yourself.

Answers in a Time of Uncertainty

I CAN COPE: Living with Cancer
One of the best ways to deal with cancer is to learn all you can about the illness, its treatment and stresses and changes that accompany it. "I Can Cope" provides education and support to cancer patients and their loved ones, offering them the opportunity to gain a sense of understanding and control over the illness.

The American Cancer Society and Forum Health's Cancer CareCenters collaborate to provide program sessions dealing with:

• Human Anatomy
  
• Cancer Development
  
• Diagnosis
  
• Treatment
  
• Side Effects
  
• New Research
  
• Lifestyle Changes
  
• Nutrition
  
• Physical Therapy
  
• Spirituality
  
• Communication Skills
  
• Sexuality and Self-Esteem
• Emotions and Coping Strategies
• Community Resources
  

These sessions are held weekly over a 4-to 6-week period and are offered throughout the year at the Cancer CareCenter.

The Survivors

"The Survivors" is a social support gathering for graduates of the "I Can Cope: Living with Cancer Program." Informal and open discussions are designed to help participants further deal with their questions, concerns, fears and emotions as well as provide a social gathering to see old friends made at "I Can Cope." These gatherings meet quarterly throughout the year at the Cancer CareCenter.

Cancer Affects the Whole Family

Kids Can Cope, Too!
Offered as a cooperative effort between the Cancer CareCenters of Forum Health Cancer, the Child Life and Education Department of Forum Health's Tod Children's Hospital and The American Cancer Society, "Kids Can Cope, Too!" is designed to meet the unique needs of children who have a parent or loved one living with cancer. When a parent, grandparent, or other family member is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family is thrown into crisis. Children may have difficulty coping with all the changes. They may be confused, worried, and even angry. This class provides a gentle and supportive atmosphere in which children may learn to cope with chronic illness of cancer. This program is scheduled periodically throughout the year.

Knowledge & Support Make It Easier

Support & Self-Help Groups
Various groups for specific cancer sites have been designed to help cancer patients and their loved ones come to terms with the difficulties and stress that accompany their specific cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as network with someone having the same illness. For more information, please ask.

Look Good. . . Feel Better
Hands-on beauty techniques to overcome possible appearance-related side-effects of cancer therapy are taught and demonstrated to female cancer patients. Points covered include skin, nail and hair care, makeup techniques and wig and scarf information.

This collaborative program between the American Cancer Society, Forum Health's Cancer CareCenters and Humility of Mary Health Partners is offered throughout the year at the American Cancer Society.

Education and Support Forums

Throughout the year, programs, events and seminars are made available to the community, patients, their families and friends to exchange and learn new information and support about the areas of concern of cancer patients and to improve their quality of life. For more information, see our "Spotlight" section.

Individual Counseling for You & Your Loved Ones

Individual information, education, counseling and support is available to patients and their loved ones (including children). One-on-one sessions can be scheduled with physicians, oncology nurses, the patient educator, social workers, pastoral care advisors, psychologists, dietitians, child life and education specialists, pharmacists, physical therapists and speech therapists, any of whom will be happy to discuss your concerns and fears and answer any questions you might have.