Why do we want to provide cancer patients with nutrition counseling, education and implementation?
Because dietary needs are not all created equal, and a cancer patient needs to focus on maintaining and improving health as to fight off disease. Cancer survivors are at an increased risk for heart-disease related deaths, and nutrition can help fight off this statistic.
The current idea is to provide some healthy meals or snacks to patients when they need it most, which are the days surrounding treatments. This is the day when their body will take the biggest hit and hopefully the nutritious foods can help boost them back up. The education of what kind of foods they are receiving is what can carry over to their home life.
Why do we want to provide cancer patients with fitness education, instruction and supervision?
Because exercise improves patient self-image after operations as well as correcting issues with fatigue, irritability and pain. Also, regular exercise has been found to improve patient vigor and morale. Strength training improves bone density which may have decreased during periods of treatment which required a more sedentary lifestyle, while cardiovascular training improves VO2 max and decreases risk factors for heart disease. INCREASING A PATIENTS FITNESS LEVEL DECREASES ADIPOSITY, POTENTIALLY DECREASING RISK OF FUTURE RELAPSE!!! This is what we are all about.
The current idea is to provide instruction at the location of their treatments, this way they can take those exercises and perform them at home or at the gym. We are also striving to provide gym memberships to cancer patients who do not already have a membership.
Why do we want to provide cancer patients with One-on-One and group psychological interventions?
Because 5-10% of cancer survivors suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. 20% of breast cancer survivors suffer from anxiety issues. 20-60% of breast cancer survivors report self-image issues up to 2 years after entering remission. Also, fear of recurrence is often at the forefront of the mind. Intimacy with the spouse or partner or questions regarding infertility are often points of discomfort and concern for both parties, and partners tend to experience the same level of anxiety and depression as the patients themselves. Counseling is vital when dealing with families of a young survivor due to an increased risk of self-abusive behaviors by the adolescent age patients. Other stressors such as finances combined with a concern of a relapse also need to be addressed.
The current idea is to guide the patient to programs that are already available in the community or through their health care provider and try to supplement where there is a need.
Why do we want to provide cancer patients with Socialization through survivor groups or relapse support groups?
Because, simply, it is important to talk to other people who may be going through similar problems as yourself. That is how people can support each other into recovery.
The current idea is to get the patient plugged in to one of the support groups already offered by the American Cancer Society or by their health care provider.
Why do we want to provide cancer patients with Spiritual support?
Because facing death brings on new challenges to a person's psyche, therefore the spiritual aspect of counseling should not be ignored. Prayer with a group or with a pastor can increase optimism and be a calming influence. Also, it is another gate into the many supportive churches in the surrounding community.
The current mission would be to provide the patient with inspirational quotes and scripture each and every visit to get treatment. Also helping facilitate meetings and or special group talks with pastors from the community.