Main Navigation

Cancer

Cancer Support

The physicians and staff of The Rosenfeld Cancer Center realize the importance of treating the whole patient, not just the disease. A number of support services are available to help patients and their families cope with the psychological and social issues that can accompany a cancer diagnosis.

Breast Cancer Support Group – 215-481-3191

This self-help group for breast cancer patients provides support and an opportunity to share their experience with others. The group is facilitated by the nurse navigator assigned to breast cancer patients.

Breast Surgery Support/Reach to Recovery – 215-481-3191

Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the Reach to Recovery program is comprised of trained volunteers who help women with breast cancer meet physical, emotional and cosmetic needs related to the disease and treatment. These volunteers have all undergone some type of breast cancer surgery and offer support for patients undergoing mastectomy, lumpectomy or breast reconstruction. To learn more about this program or to be connected to a Reach to Recovery volunteer, please call Betty Cummings at 215-481-3191.

Cancer HelpLine – 800-405-HELP

A phone line answered by a clinical nurse specialist, the HelpLine can provide assistance to patients who have questions about diagnosis and treatment. Brochures and other educational materials are available through the HelpLine. The HelpLine representative can also be reached by e-mail at mekohn@amh.org.

Genetic Counseling – 215-481-2715

For patients and family members who are concerned about the prevalence of breast, ovarian, colorectal or endometrial cancer in their families, The Rosenfeld Cancer Center’s nurse genetic counselor can provide a free risk assessment. Should genetic testing be recommended, it is usually covered by insurance. For more information, please call 215-481-2715 or e-mail mekohn@amh.org.

Gilda’s Club at Abington Memorial Hospital – 215-481-6700

Gilda’s Club provides a meeting place where men, women and children living with cancer, and their family and friends, can join together to build social and emotional support as a supplement to medical care, free of charge. Joining with others in a community of people who are also affected by cancer can help decrease feelings of isolation and anxiety, and provide a sense of empowerment. Gilda’s Club at Abington is open on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Garden Training Room, in the Widener Building, across from the Gift Shop. For more information, please call 215-481-6700 or e-mail nicole@gildasclubdelval.org.

Integrative Medicine – 215-481-6888

Whether called alternative, complementary or integrative medicine, services including acupuncture, massage therapy, pain management, Reiki and yoga are offered to hospital inpatients and outpatients. Please call our Physician Referral Service at 215-481-MEDI or the Division of Rehabilitation Medicine at 215-481-6888 for detailed information.

"Look Good...Feel Better" – 215-481-2579

This program helps patients deal with the side effects of cancer treatment by teaching women how to work with wigs, scarves, proper skin care and how to apply make-up. The sessions are led by trained and certified cosmetologists and are co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Call for information about current dates.

Lung Cancer Support Group – 215-481-6387

The Rosenfeld Cancer Center provides a support group for patients and their families coping with a diagnosis of lung cancer. The objective is to support, educate and help with coping strategies. This group meets every third Thursday of the month. Please contact Kelly Pressler at 215- 481-6387 with any questions or e-mail her at kpressler@amh.org.

"Man to Man" – 215-481-2715

This is a self-help group for men diagnosed with prostate cancer, co-sponsored with the American Cancer Society. This group is designed to provide education, support and encouragement. The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Please call 215-481-2715 for more information or e-mail mekohn@amh.org.

Nurse Navigators – 215-481-6387

The Rosenfeld Cancer Center has two nurse navigators who provide counseling and information to patients who are newly diagnosed with cancer or in active treatment. They can answer questions and provide support through the treatment process and even make appointments. Patients can be assured that their questions and concerns will be answered. Please call 215-481-6387 or 215-481-3191. If you prefer e-mail, please write to bcummings@amh.org.

Nutrition Counseling – 215-481-2527

Eating healthy, nutritious foods helps maximize quality of life during and after cancer. Learn how to manage side effects of treatment while maintaining a healthy weight. Individual nutrition counseling sessions are available.

Pastoral Care – 215-481-2700

Addressing the spiritual and religious issues of diagnosis, treatment and hospitalization, Pastoral Care staff members are available 24-hours a day to assist inpatients, outpatients and their families. Visits with an individual’s own clergyperson may also be arranged.

Social Workers – 215-481-2579

Social Workers can provide counseling, emotional support, assistance in planning for home care, and referrals to assisted living communities and nursing homes, and help in obtaining financial assistance for those who demonstrate a need. Family and patient counseling is available immediately after a diagnosis of cancer is made, and anytime throughout the patient’s course of treatment and recovery.