SURVIVING AND THRIVING: TRENDS IN SURVIVORSHIP

PROGRAMMINGLora L. Hays, LMFT, RPT

Clinical Program DirectorCancer Support Community

Cancer Support Community

Began in 1982

Dr. Harold Benjamin

We have a national office in Washington DC

We have almost 60 affiliates worldwide

CSC- Central Indiana began in 1995

Partnerships with St. Francis, IU and Community Health

Living with, through, and beyond cancer

The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer

National Cancer Institute at the National Institute of Cancer Care

Cancer Support Community National

All three suggest that survivorship programming is a vital component to comprehensive cancer care

Increased quality and in some cases quantity of life

What is Survivorship Programming?

Support

Education

Wellness

Social Connections

Information, Assistance, & Referral

Support Groups Fight Isolation (Isolation is one of the

leading complaints given by cancer patients and their caregivers.)

Lowers depression, fatigue, confusion, and mood disturbances

Enhance quality of life, instill hope, strengthen the will to live and improve relationships with loved ones and family members

Chance to learn from one another Giving and receiving support

Education Programs

Cancer 101

Ask the Legal Expert

Pain and Symptom Management

Specific cancer programming: Colon, Breast, Head and Neck, Prostate, etc.

All designed to empower and arm people impacted by cancer with information to help them make appropriate decisions that affect their health, economic status and family.

Wellness Programming

Cooking for Wellness (Trademarked)

Creative Expressions

Gentle Stretch Yoga

QiGong

Relaxation & Visualization

Harvard University researchers have found that cancer patients who engaged in mind/body programs experience greater health outcomes that those who did not.

Social Connections Humor, Heart and Hope: Laughter

through the Cancer Journey Krafters Korner with Kerry Book Club Cinema Wellness Swing Dance Healing Portraits Car Maintenance With Steve Painting with Watercolors

Social Connections

Having someone who truly understands the fear and challenges of a cancer diagnosis is vital to strengthening and sustaining cancer patients on their journey. It is important for CSC to offer a chance for patients and caregivers to interact socially. This ensures that no one faces cancer alone.