Cancer support and survivorship

There is no understating the gravity of childhood cancer. We understand how difficult it can be to not only help your child cope through the process, but to also help them understand what's happening. Whether they themselves have received a diagnosis, or you or another family member have, we are here to help.

For more information on coping with childhood cancer, visit American Cancer Society's children and cancer page.

If you are diagnosed with cancer, you are not alone in the fight. Your family and loved ones are with you as well, and they need to not only know how to properly care for you, but also themselves.

Our cancer specialists are here to help you navigate this difficult process, with strategies on how to be the best caregiver you can possibly be. To learn more information now, you can visit the American Cancer Society's caregivers page.

Throughout the year, we host free, interactive classes and events facilitated by expert providers and healthcare professionals. Held both in-person and virtually, these events also are recorded and available online for later viewing. Our experts provide insight on issues relevant to cancer patients such as "cancer and the holidays" and "creating a survivorship plan."

For a current schedule visit our classes and events calendar.

HealthONE partners with Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute and the Sarah Cannon Research Institute in Denver to offer our patients access to world-class care and advanced treatments.

For more information visit our cancer clinical trials page.

Many cancer survivors report issues during and after cancer treatment including memory loss, forgetfulness, loss of concentration, and/or confusion. Even though these side effects are commonly referred to as “chemo brain,” factors other than chemotherapy can lead to cognitive side effects. To learn more about cognitive issues from cancer related factors, read Sarah Cannon's chemo brain information.

• Rehabilitation at Sky Ridge Medical Center

Cancer–related fatigue primarily occurs because the body requires additional energy to heal. Other side effects, medications, and stress can make fatigue worse. To learn more about cancer-related fatigue and ways to cope, visit Sarah Cannon's side effects page.

• Rose Medical Center Oncology Rehab (multiple locations)
• Swedish Cancer Rehabilitation

Cancer treatments can lead to infertility. Women do have options to preserve their fertility. It is important to talk to your healthcare team about fertility and your options before you begin treatment as many fertility–preserving options must be done before the damage caused by treatment occurs. To learn more about cancer–related infertility and preservation strategies, visit Sarah Cannon's side effects page.

• Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine
• Conceptions Reproductive Associates of Colorado

Cancer treatment can cause both financial and insurance strain. The costs of cancer treatment can feel overwhelming, so to learn how to properly manage these costs, as well as the different types of health insurance and laws that govern domestic health insurance, visit American Cancer Society's financial information page. For additional financial resources, visit any of the websites below:

• Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance
• Fund the Fight
• James Quint Foundation (Colorado residents and those receiving active treatment)
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• Ray of Hope (Colorado residents)
• Sam Fund

Cancer treatment is a struggle on multiple fronts, but it is important to keep your body and mind active throughout all stages of treatment and recovery. By staying active and exercising as much as possible, your quality of life can improve through not only continuing familiar routines, but also in combatting side effects and helping to decrease your risk of developing more cancers in the future. To learn more about the connection between cancer treatment and exercise, visit American Cancer Society's physical activity page. We also offer exercise and rehabilitation (rehab) services at the following locations:

• Rose Medical Center Oncology Rehab
• Sky Ridge Medical Center

Whether you have a positive cancer diagnosis or not, genetic testing is crucial for understanding any potential cancer risks that may be present in your family. Hereditary cancers are those that are passed down through a genetic mutation that was present during conception, typically leading to breast, colon, prostate, pancreatic or ovarian cancers. Genetic counselors help you understand your genetic makeup and provide guidance on which tests are right for you. To learn more about genetic counseling, visit any of the following resources:

• American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
• Invision Sally Jobe
• Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers
• SequenceMD

Depending on your personal health, the type of cancer you may be experiencing and your course of treatment, cancer care practices such as chemotherapy bring about a variety of side effects, including losing your hair. While it cannot always be avoided, it can always be managed. To learn more about what you can do, visit the following resources:

• American Cancer Society's hair loss page
• Cancer Resource Center at Sky Ridge Medical Center

HBOT uses hyperbaric chambers to promote healing for chronic and non-healing wounds from surgical or other medical treatments. The high pressure dose of oxygen helps blood carry more oxygen to organs and tissues to promote faster, better healing and can provide relief for patients with a variety of conditions. HBOT has been specifically shown to aid in post-radiation healing complications which can occur with cancer treatment. Find the nearest HealthONE location in the Denver area that offers HBOT.

We understand that sometimes while experiencing cancer treatments, you may need to travel farther away from home and require a place to stay. Read on below about information on cancer-related lodging programs.

• Joe's House

One of the more serious side effects that cancer and accompanying treatment can cause is lymphedema. Lymphedema a form of swelling that is caused by a build-up of lymph fluid in the fatty tissues underneath your skin. It is important to understand why lymphedema can happen and when to get help and support. To learn more about how and why lymphedema occurs, as well as ways to treat it, visit American Cancer Society's lymphedema page. We treat lymphedema at the following locations:

• Rose Medical Center Oncology Rehab
• Sky Ridge Medical Center
• Swedish Medical Center
• Swedish Cancer Rehabilitation

Another serious potential side effect of cancer treatment is damage to your peripheral nerves, otherwise known as peripheral neuropathy. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) can cause severe pain and affect your ability to walk, bend over, write, dress yourself or other basic daily activities. How long it lasts varies from person to person, as can last anywhere from weeks to years. To learn more about cancer-related peripheral neuropathy including how to manage it, visit American Cancer Society's peripheral neuropathy page. We treat CIPN at the following locations:

• Rose Medical Center Oncology Rehab
• Sky Ridge Medical Center
• Swedish Cancer Rehabilitation

Nurse navigators are your advocates throughout and after your cancer journey. They are there to not only educate you and your family, but also facilitate communication between your care team, coordinate appointments and transportation, all while addressing any other concerns you may face throughout the process. To learn more about nurse navigators at Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HealthONE, visit Sarah Cannon's Denver support services page.

The importance of proper nutrition throughout your cancer journey cannot be underestimated. We help you find specially tailored, oncology-based nutrition therapy programs for all types of cancer, no matter your stage of treatment. Our programs are run by registered dieticians who work tirelessly to prevent or combat malnutrition, prevent the deterioration of muscle mass, combat treatment side effects, provide nutrition support (enteral or parenteral), and teach healthy eating to achieve a healthy weight after treatment. For more information about nutritional counseling in the Denver area, refer to the following resources:

• Nutrition and Wellness Center by Sodexo
• Vital RD outpatient nutrition counseling

Sometimes, cancer treatment can make ostomy surgery necessary. This procedure is employed when bodily waste is not passing through the body normally, so an opening, or, stoma, is created on your abdomen so waste can flow into an external prosthetic called a pouch, or ostomy bag. To learn more about living with an ostomy, including information and support, visit American Cancer Society's ostomies page. We offer treatment and support groups at the following locations:

• Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center
• Sky Ridge Advanced Wound Clinic

Palliative care seeks to make you as comfortable as possible while you are undergoing aggressive care, such as oncology treatment. Focusing on pain management and addressing side effects, we make sure that palliative care is an integral part of your cancer treatment plan so that you are as comfortable and positive as possible during this difficult time. To learn more about palliative care, including who should get it and when, visit American Cancer Society's palliative care page.

Emotional health is just as important as physical health. We understand the significant toll that cancer treatment can take on you and your loved ones, which is why we offer psychosocial services to help you along, such as counseling and behavioral health therapy. To learn more about cancer-related emotional, mental health, and mood changes, visit American Cancer Society's mood changes page. Behavioral health services for cancer patients are offered at the following locations:

• Art therapy at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center
• HealthONE Behavioral Health and Wellness Center

It is common for cancer treatments to cause both mental and physical complications that make daily life more difficult. Whether you need physical, occupational or speech therapy, we cater to your personal health situation to ensure you are as healthy as possible during and after treatment, so that you can work towards long-term survivorship. To read more about oncologic rehab, visit ASCO's informational page. We offer these services at the following locations:

• Rose Medical Center Oncology Rehab
• Sky Ridge Medical Center
• Swedish Cancer Rehabilitation

As you survive your cancer journey, you may experience sexual dysfunction or changes in your sex life. These changes can be physical or mental. Each type of cancer treatment, whether it be chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or hormonal therapy, can cause possible sexual side effects. To learn more about sexual side effects of cancer and how to manage them, visit Sarah Cannon's side effects page. We address these issues at the following locations:

• Rose Medical Center Oncology Rehab
• Sky Ridge Medical Center

Following a cancer diagnosis, you may occasionally have trouble sleeping or find that you can’t sleep at all (insomnia). Lack of sleep can lead to other issues such as fatigue, loss of concentration, headaches, and irritability. To learn more about solutions for cancer-related sleep problems, visit Sarah Cannon's side effects page.

Smoking increases your risk for a number of cancers. If you already have a cancer diagnosis, smoking can increase your risk of recurrence. The benefits of quitting smoking are numerous and almost immediate. To read more about smoking cessation, you may refer to the following resources:

• American Cancer Society
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Sarah Cannon survivorship page
• Tobacco Free Colorado
• The Medical Center of Aurora

Using one’s faith, values, and spiritual practices are important resources for wellness and healing. We encourage you to utilize spiritual resources around your local community, as well as within our facilities. To find local support for all religious and spiritual backgrounds, email Laurie Jeddeloh.

Support groups offer a safe space to share and encourage other fellow cancer patients. Please click the links below to email the coordinators for these local cancer support groups offered virtually and in-person.

• Blood Cancer Support Group at Colorado Blood Cancer Institute at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center
• Breast Cancer Support Group at The Medical Center of Aurora
• Gynecologic Cancer Support Group at Sky Ridge Medical Center
• Head and Neck Cancer Support Group at Swedish Medical Center
• Ostomy Support Group at Sky Ridge Medical Center

Transportation shouldn’t be a roadblock for cancer treatment. Even with help from family and friends, sometimes you may have trouble getting every ride you need. Click on the resources below to find information on cancer-related transportation assistance programs:

• American Cancer Society

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) issued recommendations that every cancer patient receive an individualized survivorship care plan that includes guidelines for monitoring and maintaining their health. Contact your local oncology clinic, or Sarah Cannon Nurse Navigator, to request a Treatment Summary/Survivorship Care Plan, or build your own.