Cancer Supportive Care & Survivorship

Cancer Patient Support Services

The Cancer Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) offers comprehensive care from a compassionate team of professionals. Our services don’t end with expert diagnosis and world-class treatment options. We also offer cancer resources for patients and support for families.

What is Cancer Survivorship?

Cancer survivorship services include holistic health and wellness options for anyone who’s ever had cancer. We have resources to support you and your family whether you:

Services We Offer

BIDMC offers a wide range of services to support you and your family during and after cancer treatment:

• Heart health care to support the special cardiac concerns of people who’ve undergone cancer treatment.
• Lotsa Helping Hands, an online calendar tool for friends, family, colleagues and neighbors to help loved ones during their stay in the hospital and beyond.
• Medical nutrition therapy, providing full assessment and counseling to meet your nutritional needs.
• Oncology social work, offering counseling and support groups for you, your family and your caregivers.
• Patient navigator, who streamlines your appointments and care.
• Psycho-Oncology Clinic, an outpatient counseling and medical service of BIDMC's Department of Psychiatry, to help with issues during cancer treatment, including fatigue, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns and substance abuse. 
• Rehabilitation to help people who’ve had cancer regain quality of life during and after treatment. 
• Reiki, a relaxation technique that supports the body’s natural ability to move toward balance and to experience a sense of well-being.
• Support groups with a wide variety of themes. Oncology social workers lead these groups to facilitate peer support and foster problem-solving.
• Windows of Hope, a specialty shop at BIDMC that offers products and resources such as wigs, prostheses and books.

Our teams also offer some specialty support programs for certain types of cancer. Ask your cancer care team what support resources are available for your cancer type.

Transportation Concerns

Most people can get to their daily treatment on their own. If you aren’t feeling well, you may wish to ask a family member, friend or neighbor to take you to and from treatment.

Some communities provide transportation for eligible residents. Some chapters of the American Cancer Society have volunteers who transport patients to and from treatments. Be sure to let your primary nurse know as soon as possible if you are having problems finding transportation.