Cancer Survivorship and Wellness Program
What is cancer survivorship?
A person who has had cancer is a cancer survivor. The Cooperman Barnabas
Medical Center (CBMC) cancer survivorship program focuses on patients
who have completed treatment and are starting the journey back to a “new
normal” which can be challenging.
The end of cancer treatment is often a time to rejoice. Most likely, you are relieved and ready to put the experience behind you and return to normal. Yet, at the same time, you may feel sad and worried. It can take time to recover, and you may not be the same as before treatment and have to adjust to a “new normal.”
Managing ongoing cancer follow-up care and surveillance, getting your life back on track, returning to work and family duties, coping with worries about the future and social and emotional self-care are only some of the challenges that people face at the end of treatment. Our approach to life after cancer is to provide care for the whole person, physically, emotionally, and holistically. Our cancer survivorship team will help you to attain a healthy and full life after cancer and we will focus on supporting you and your loved ones during this new phase of your life.
Our program is led by Louise Ligresti, MD, Chief of Cancer Survivorship, Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health. Dr. Ligresti is a board-certified medical oncologist and member of the Cooperman Barnabas Cancer Center physician team. She is an expert in identifying and treating the issues that you might face after completing treatment.
What can I expect?
- A careful review of your medical history and treatments
- Physical exam and testing as needed
- Management of treatment-related side effects
- Continued surveillance for cancer recurrence
- Screening recommendations for other cancers
- Emotional support
- Counseling on healthy living habits
- Referrals to experts and other resources as appropriate
It is important to see your primary care physician for regular visits. Our team will routinely update your primary care physician on your follow-up plan of care.
What side effects of treatment might I notice and be treated for?
- Chronic pain
- Fatigue
- Changes in memory or concentration
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fear of recurrence
- Sleep disturbances
- Neuropathy
- Sexual changes
- Osteoporosis
- Skin, hair, and nail changes
- Urinary and digestive changes
Dr. Ligresti and her team will help you navigate these effects and refer you to appropriate services and programs to address your individualized needs.
What does the program have to offer aside from medical management?
- Support groups to connect you with other people living beyond cancer
- Project H.O.P.E. (Helping Our Patients Excel) Survivorship Lecture Series, which are educational workshops with CBMC experts, who share advances in survivorship care, research, and wellness care
- Personal and family counseling and referrals to community mental health resources to cope with life after cancer
- Diet and nutritional counseling for healthy habits after cancer treatment
- Treatment options and referrals for cancer pain and side effects of cancer therapies
- Cardio-Oncology services
- Individualized Cancer Wellness Program which offers exercise, yoga, nutrition and massage with certified practitioners who have experience in cancer care
Rehabilitation and Exercise
Cancer treatment can change how well your body moves and you may have new limitations. Working with our physical, occupational, and exercise therapists can help bring your strength back. Our goal is to restore your energy and physical functioning after your cancer diagnosis and treatment and help you attain healthy exercise habits.
Diet and nutrition for life after cancer
Cancer treatment can change your taste, how you eat, your appetite for food, and digestion. However, it is important to get the nutrients you need after cancer treatment and have help with weight management. Our clinical dieticians will answer your questions about what you can and should eat and what to avoid. They can help with planning meals at home and give guidance about special diets, food allergies, and healthy living.
Counseling and support
Life after cancer can feel lonely. You may feel fearful of recurrence. You may think no one else can understand what you are going through. You may be feeling stressed, anxious, depressed or angry. Many people feel left out from experiences enjoyed by people who have not had to deal with cancer. Counseling is a healthy way to learn coping skills to deal with these emotions. Our social workers specialize in helping cancer survivors adapt to this new normal.
Integrative medicine therapies
Life after cancer treatment can cause side effects such as chronic pain, fatigue, neuropathy, cognitive changes, nausea, and stress. As a cancer survivor, you may want support to cope with these effects without the use of prescription drugs. Integrative therapies can help improve and control these lasting side effects of treatment. Integrative therapies at CBMC include Holistic Nurse Services offering REIKI, reflexology, meditation, guided imagery, and breath work. We also offer massage therapy, virtual yoga, and exercise.
Tobacco Cessation Program
It is hard to give up tobacco. We want to help you with the challenges of quitting tobacco. Our Tobacco Treatment Program has dedicated specialists who can help you quit smoking or stop using tobacco. We use many methods to support you including medications and behavioral methods that are safe and work well.
Cancer genetic counseling and testing program
Our program offers counseling and testing for people with a personal or family history of cancer. Our genetic counselors provide an assessment of inherited cancer risks, detailed education about cancer prevention and detection, and the opportunity for genetic testing when appropriate.
Cancer screenings
Follow-up screenings for other cancers is an important component of survivorship. Getting your screening tests on time is important for early detection. Your care team will give you a screening schedule. You can schedule your cancer screenings at CBMC or you can choose to make these appointments through your primary healthcare provider. Your survivorship team will give you guidance on screening for breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, or any other cancers you may be prone to due to your particular medical history. We will individualize these recommendations.
To make an appointment with the Survivorship team, talk to your primary oncologist and call Dr. Ligresti’s office at 973-322-5738.