Cancer Center
Patient Support
Because there is more to cancer treatment than healing one's physical being, the Cancer Center supports a holistic approach to caring for patients. Our healthcare professionals have committed themselves to helping patients cope with the emotional, psychological, spiritual and social needs that are associated with cancer. These professionals are knowledgeable about the multitude of service agencies, as well as federal, state and county programs that exist to help meet the needs of individual patients and their families.
The Cancer Center provides patients and their families with a comprehensive support program, which includes access to psychiatrists, counselors and a social worker - as well as participation in Regional Support Groups.
Some of the psychosocial support services available through the Cancer Center include:
Individual and Family Therapy
We collaborate with the Department of Psychiatry to help patients and their families cope more effectively with the life changes that may occur with a cancer diagnosis. A period of adjustment and an increase in stress often occurs following the diagnosis, or while undergoing treatment, for cancer. It is now recognized that the psychosocial condition of patients influence not only a patient’s quality of life, but their response to therapy as well.
The UTMC Department of Psychiatry offers individual and family therapy, medical evaluation and management for depression and anxiety, and emergency services. The telephone number is 419-383-5691.
Spiritual and Pastoral Support
Because spiritual care is an important part of the cancer treatment process, pastoral care services are available at UTMC. The Cancer Center strives to provide an environment for the spiritual support of patients, family members and staff. Consultations with members of the clergy are available for cancer patients and members of their families to utilize spirituality in dealing with cancer. The telephone number for pastoral care services is 419-383-3851.
Nutritional Support
Good nutrition is very important during cancer treatment. Cancer care can adversely affect the body’s ability to digest food and have a negative impact on your appetite, depleting the body’s nutrients and causing weight loss. Nutrition consultations with a UTMC dietician are available Wednesday afternoons, or by appointment. Books, articles and other publications are available. To make an appointment, call (419) 383-4585.