The symptoms and side effects of cancer and its treatment often take a physical and emotional toll on patients. Cancer may cause fatigue or weight loss. Treatments may trigger digestive issues, pain or mobility challenges, while the rigors of the cancer journey itself may cause feelings of anxiety and depression.
At City of Hope Chicago, we understand it’s not enough to only treat cancer. We also offer evidence-informed supportive care therapies, such as nutritional support, oncology rehabilitation and behavioral health, to treat the symptoms and side effects of the disease. This whole-person approach to cancer care treats the disease with conventional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy and other evidence-based tools and technologies, while also supporting patients’ strength, stamina and side effect-management strategies.
Almost all patients experience a range of side effects during and after treatment that may benefit from supportive care. For instance:
Up to 80 percent of adults living with cancer become malnourished.
About 33 percent of patients continue to experience pain after treatment.
At least 70 percent of cancer patients undergoing treatment experience fatigue.
The goal of supportive care at City of Hope Chicago is to help patients better tolerate cancer-related side effects to reduce treatment delays or interruptions and get back to their lives.
Explore the links below to learn more about the supportive care therapies we offer at City of Hope Chicago as part of our supportive approach to cancer care.
Behavioral health, including psychiatry, counseling and other services designed to improve a patient’s emotional health and mental well-being.
Chiropractic care is designed to correct musculoskeletal problems and relieve symptoms that may be caused by cancer treatments. Chiropractors use non-invasive procedures to manually apply controlled force to the spine and other joints that may have become misaligned. The procedures are designed to help reduce pain and stiffness in the joints, improve mobility, restore balance and address other side effects.
Massage therapy focuses on the body’s soft tissues, connective tissues, ligaments, muscles, tendons and skin. Massage therapy is intended to help reduce pain and improve circulation. It may also help reduce stress and anxiety and help patients to regain a sense of peace and well-being.
Naturopathic support, which uses natural approaches, including supplements and homeopathic remedies, to address side effects.
Nutritional support, in which registered dietitians provide care designed to help cancer patients stay strong and maintain a healthy body weight while addressing digestive issues.
Oncology rehabilitation, which includes physical, occupational and speech therapy to help patients build strength and endurance and regain their independence. Some City of Hope Chicago patients may also be eligible for our Motion for Life program, designed for cancer patients who want to resume or maintain an active lifestyle.
Salon and spa services, including haircuts, manicures, pedicures, facials and services specific to patients who may have lost hair during treatment, including head shaving and wig and scarf fittings.
Sexual wellness to help patients and their loved ones address physical and psychological challenges that may cause sexual dysfunction and stress on their relationships.
Spiritual support, with counseling, prayer and other services for patients of faith across multiple cultures, beliefs and religious backgrounds.
Not all supportive care services are appropriate for every patient. Your City of Hope Chicago care team will work closely with you to determine which services are best for you and help you schedule appointments.
Your cancer care doctors at City of Hope Chicago work in lockstep with a team of supportive care providers to design a treatment plan that’s personalized for your diagnosis and your individual needs. These supportive care providers include counselors, dietitians, physical therapists and others who work to keep you physically and emotionally strong so you can better tolerate treatment without interruption.
Alexandria Callahan, LCPC, BC-DMT, GLCMA
Behavioral Health Therapist
Brent C. Paxton, DC
Chiropractic Physician
Cynthia Ingram, BS, RN, HN-BC, COHN-S
Registered Nurse - Sexual Health
Lawrence Foster, MDiv
Staff Chaplain, City of Hope Chicago
Meredith Boudreau, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Sadie Dahlk, RD, LDN, CNSC, CSO
Nutrition Manager
Nancy Schell, MD, FAPA
Psychiatrist
Tracey Thomas, ND
Naturopathic Provider
"I also strongly feel that the body, mind and spirit are all connected and that you can’t treat cancer in isolation. I feel that nutrition, stress, physical therapy, etc., all play a part in my wellness. So I wanted to take advantage of the supportive care therapies available at City of Hope, specifically nutrition and naturopathic support. The best part was that everything was available under one roof and I didn’t have to wait weeks for scheduling."
