Resources for Cancer Survivors

Reaching the end of active treatment for cancer can bring on a huge range of emotions. While some may feel relief and happiness, others may feel anxiety or be worried about the end of what has been a very structured treatment path. Now what?

None of these feelings are wrong. They are all normal and common. The good news is that there is support available to all survivors as they navigate the roller coaster of emotions that it can take to get back to their daily lives.

Here at home

Dartmouth Cancer Center’s support and well-being programs provide a range of patient- and family-centered services to all patients from the moment of diagnosis throughout treatment and well beyond into cancer-free survival. We offer the following services and resources to help you as you continue on your survivorship journey:

• Complementary Care Program: We host a wide variety of free online and in-person programs to promote your well-being. Our offerings include massage, music, and support groups. Learn more about complementary care.
• Exercise: Physical activity has a wide range of benefits for people with cancer. Exercise can even prevent recurrence and protect against some forms of cancer. Get started with our list of local and regional resources for exercise.
• Financial services: Navigating the costs of cancer care can be difficult and time-consuming. Our Billing and Financial Assistance offices can help.
• Neurocognition: Cognition refers to the higher functions of the brain. These functions include memory, concentration, word-finding, executive and other abilities. Specialists in the Neurocognition Program help you overcome difficulties in cognitive function that may result from cancer treatment. We design a personalized therapy plan for your needs that includescognitive screenings, pre- and post-treatment evaluations and work or disability-related assessments. Talk with your provider to connect with a neurocognition team member.
• Oncology nutrition: Side effects and symptoms of cancer can make eating more complicated. We offer nutrition support for people in active cancer treatment and beyond.
• Psychosocial oncology: Ignoring your emotional well-being can make coping with cancer treatment more difficult. Our skilled team of mental health professionals can help you and your family address the emotional stress of cancer and its many related experiences. We offer treatments and medications to help improve your quality of life. Talk with your provider to connect with a psychosocial oncology team member.
• Research: We automatically screen every patient to make sure you find out about clinical trials for which you are eligible. By participating in this type of research, you can contribute to discovering cancer treatments, prevention and even cures. Clinical trial participants also get early access to the most promising new therapies before they are widely available.
• Spiritual health: Our spiritual health team offers personal support, crisis intervention, spiritual care and guidance. They can also help with short-term counseling and connections with local religious communities.
• Thriving Thursdays program: The Thriving Thursdays program offers a variety of programs related to the challenges and opportunities of cancer survivorship.
• Tobacco cessation: Quitting tobacco is the single most important thing you can do for your health. Our tobacco treatment program can help.

And across the world

In addition to those available through Dartmouth Cancer Center, many support resources for cancer survivors are available online. Some of these include:

• American Association for Cancer Research: The AACR Cancer Progress Report supports survivors by addressing common challenges faced by survivors and providing health-related information to improve quality of life and outcomes. 
• American Cancer Society: The ACS provides a “Tools for Cancer Survivors and Caregivers” page that helps guide life after treatment. The ACS also fosters the Cancer Survivors Network peer-to-peer discussion and support forum. 
• CancerCare.org offers professional counseling, educational materials, and online support groups for survivors. 
• National Cancer Institute Office of Cancer Survivorship: This NCI office conducts research on the short- and long-term effects of cancer and its treatment on survivors in order to enhance the quality and length of survival. Their site spotlights advancements in the prevention and management of adverse effects of cancer and its treatment.
• National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship: An organization that addresses the full spectrum of survivorship issues related to living with, through, and beyond a cancer diagnosis.