Support and Education
The Joan Karnell Cancer Center offers a variety
of support groups to help
cancer patients and their families cope with
the diagnosis of cancer. Led by trained professionals,
these groups offer emotional support, education,
an opportunity to learn ways of coping with uncertainty
and change, and a chance to meet others who face
similar issues.
In addition to ongoing support groups, the Karnell
Cancer Center offers many one-day educational
programs that focus on:
- Community outreach
- Cancer prevention and detection
- Cancer screening programs, including skin
and prostate cancer
- Symptom management such as fatigue and pain
- Care for the caregiver
For more information and schedules, please see
our Events
Calendar or call 1-800-789-PENN (7366).
The following support groups
are available in an ongoing basis:
Breast Cancer
Psychotherapy Group |
The Breast Cancer Psychotherapy
Group meets weekly for 2 hours at a time,
and consists of women who are currently
being treated for a first occurrence of
breast cancer or who are currently in remission.
Groups are closed, meaning that once a
group is formed, no new members are introduced
thus allowing a greater comfort and familiarity
among group members. Group size is limited
to a maximum of 10 members, and it is typically
led by two psychotherapists.
The purpose of the group is to provide
members with support and understanding
from others who know firsthand what you
have been through. The group also focuses
on adjusting to the major changes in
life and self-experience that a diagnosis
of breast cancer entails. Some topics
of discussion include relationships,
work, family, body image, treatment side
effects, and fear of re-occurrence. Specific
coping skills will be practiced within
the group so members can reduce stress,
alleviate anxiety and prevent depression. || View
schedule >> |
Facing Forward:
Breast Cancer Support Group |
Throughout every stage
of a woman's life, there are times when
she needs to make informed decisions about
her health. For those struggling with breast
cancer, this group offers insight into
diagnosis and treatment as well as the
emotional impact of the illness, including
concerns around body image. || View
schedule >> |
Healthy
Balance |
A twelve-week program (four
sessions) focusing on food, exercise and
body image for women who have completed
breast cancer treatment. Participation
in all four sessions is important. In addition
to group meetings, participants will meet
one-on-one with a nutritionist and a physical
therapist. || View
schedule >> |
Living with
Loss - Bereavement Program |
Monthly
meetings for families who need support. || View
schedule >> |
Lung Cancer
Support Group |
A monthly
support and education group for patients
with lung cancer. || View
schedule >> |
Navigating
the Course: Esophageal Cancer Support
Group |
A monthly support group
for patients with esophageal cancer and
their caregivers, focusing on surgical
side effects, nutrition and social issues.
This program is only open to those with
Barretts who have had the surgery. || View
schedule >> |
One Step
Ahead |
A program for women at
high risk for breast cancer. || View
schedule >> |
Person-to-Person |
While
the love and support of family members
and friends is critical to the well being
of people who have cancer, many patients
also benefit greatly from interaction with
others who have had similar experiences.
This support system pairs former cancer
patients with newly diagnosed patients
as support persons to share concerns, answer
questions and reduce anxiety. || View
schedule >>
|
Sarcoma Education
and Support Group |
A program for patients
and families that offers:
- Opportunity to network with other patients
and families
- Questions and answer session with the
medical team
- Learn more about useful patient resources
For more information, view
the schedule >> |
Sickle Cell
Anemia Support Group |
A monthly support and education
group for patients with sickle cell anemia. || View
schedule >> |
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