Support Programs & Resources: Behavioral Oncology
Coping with cancer can be difficult. While you have taken the
first very important step in being treated physically – coming
to the James Graham Brown Cancer Center – you may not know
where to go to help you heal emotionally.
We can lend a hand.
In this Journey Together
Facing a cancer diagnosis can be one of life’s greatest challenges.
The moment you are diagnosed, your world is turned upside down.
Along the way, you’ll encounter both physical and emotional
challenges. But you don’t have to face them alone.
The James Graham Brown Cancer Center’s Behavioral Oncology
Clinic provides psychological support to cancer patients. This service
offers science-based counseling programs to patients in the greater
Louisville area at any time during the course of their cancer. It
is available to anyone diagnosed with cancer, regardless of where
they receive their cancer care.
Each individual deals with cancer differently. There is no right
or wrong way. However, many people find it helpful to take advantage
of these services to maximize their ability to cope with a cancer
diagnosis and treatment. Specially trained in behavorial oncology,
our counselors offer confidential assistance to cancer patients
through individual and group counseling, as well as educational
seminars.
For more information or to make an appointment, please call (502)
852-7843.
Educational Opportunities
If you or a loved one has been touched by cancer, you are encouraged
to attend educational programs designed to address timely and important
topics such as:
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Clinical trial participation decision-making
- Nutrition and cancer recovery
- Genetic testing for hereditary cancer
- Cancer-related fatigue interventions
By participating in educational opportunities, you can increase
your knowledge about cancer.
One-to-One
Some of the side effects you may experience from cancer and treatment,
such as pain, poor sleep and fatigue, can be intensified if you
are anxious or depressed. Often, counseling can help you better
cope with these symptoms.
Our caring specialists will provide private guidance and support
to help improve your quality of life and psychological well-being.
Our staff is specially trained to care for patients with cancer
and is experienced in structuring counseling sessions to meet each
person’s individual needs.
A few of the issues we can address include:
- Adjustment to your cancer diagnosis
- Treatment decision-making
- Talking with your doctor
- Pain management
- Treatment side effects
- Stress management
- Depression
- Anxiety
A Circle of Friends
One of the most powerful ways we can help you is through group counseling
designed specifically for people with cancer. Through group counseling
you can share experiences, information and emotions with others
coping with cancer in a supportive environment. Our group support
sessions are skills-based and short term. They include:
- Supportive-Expressive Therapy -- emphasizes opportunities to
share cancer experiences and emotions in a supportive environment.
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction -- coaches participants
on meditation-based stress management strategies.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Stress Management -- focuses on a range
of coping strategies that reduce distress.
- Exercise and Health Promotion -- teaches group-based exercises
that increase strength and conditioning.
These interventions have been proven to reduce stress, increase
social support, manage side effects of treatment, as well as promote
overall health and quality of life among patients facing cancer.
In addition, we recognize the benefit of participation in community-based
support groups. The goal of our group program is to complement your
participation in existing ongoing support groups.
New groups are forming on a regular basis. Call 502.852.7843 to
join.
General Information
All of our programs and services are offered at the James Graham
Brown Cancer Center, 529 S. Jackson Street. For directions to the
Center, please refer to the pocket of your patient information packet.
Services will be provided regardless of a person’s ability
to pay.
Community Resource
This service is made possible by the Louisville Affiliate of The
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.