Supportive cancer care is a person-centered approach to treating the physical, mental and emotional side effects that many patients experience during and after treatment for cancer.

The supportive care team at City of Hope^® Cancer Center Chicago works with patients and their medical teams during treatment and into survivorship, offering supportive care services ranging from occupational and physical therapy to behavioral health counseling, pain management and nutritional support. Supportive care helps patients stay as physically and mentally healthy as possible, avoid interruptions to treatment and boost their quality of life.

Supportive Care at City of Hope Chicago

Most cancer patients experience both physical side effects and emotional health challenges related to their diagnosis or treatment. The supportive care specialists at City of Hope’s Chicago-area locations have expertise in providing compassionate, evidence-based supportive care, including:

Rehabilitation programs for patients who may benefit from physical, occupational or speech therapy when starting to transition back to everyday activities
Pelvic floor therapy for men and women who have been diagnosed with cancers affecting the pelvic area, treating issues such as incontinence and muscle weakness, especially when treatment begins early
Specialists certified in treating vertigo, a condition that can cause extreme dizziness and is sometimes triggered by certain types of cancer treatment
Lymphedema therapists with training in early detection and treatment for lymphedema, a common condition where lymph fluid build-up in certain areas of the body causes swelling
Behavioral health counselors, who help patients and their loved ones manage the emotional or mental health challenges related to cancer treatment, such as depression, anxiety and stress
Oncology social workers, who work with patients to answer questions, provide emotional support and address questions related to topics including financial assistance, housing, in-home assistance and caregiver support
Psychiatric counseling for patients who may benefit from medications to support their mental health and well-being
Chiropractic care and massage therapy options that can help manage pain and improve mobility during and after treatment
Dietary and nutritional support for patients experiencing digestive or nutritional issues related to their cancer or its treatments
Naturopathic and integrative options that may help alleviate the side effects of cancer and its treatment, including acupuncture and massage
Sexual health providers and counselors who are specifically trained to support cancer patients who have concerns about intimacy or sexual dysfunction during or after treatment
Spiritual support for patients from a wide range of faith-based backgrounds
Salon and spa options that support patients’ positive body image and emotional well-being with services such as wig and scarf fittings for those who have experienced hair loss

Heart and Skin Health for Cancer Patients

Cardio-Oncology

Our Chicago cardio-oncology program helps ensure that patients' heart health is taken into account from day one. Working with our certified cardio-oncologist, patients are proactively screened for heart health risk factors, ensuring cardiovascular issues can be addressed and treated early. We also offer comprehensive management for patients with existing heart conditions, to ensure their cancer treatment does not adversely affect their cardiac health.

Dermatologic Care

Many cancer patients experience treatment-related changes to their skin, hair or nails, which can affect both their mental and physical health. Our Chicago dermatology program helps patients manage a wide range of conditions, including eczema, acne, psoriasis, skin growths, keloids and scars, many of which can occur as a result of treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy.

What Are the Benefits of Supportive Care Medicine?

There are many benefits to our holistic approach to cancer care, which prioritizes patients' well-being from diagnosis to survivorship. These include:

Managing common physical side effects of cancer and its treatments, such as fatigue, weight loss, digestive issues, pain, lymphedema and “chemo brain”
Supporting patients and their caregivers as they experience emotional health concerns like stress, depression or anxiety
Offering advice and strategies for managing ongoing pain, a side effect many patients experience even after treatment has ended
Providing sexual health and intimacy counseling for patients who experience issues with body image, sexual function and intimacy
Reducing delays in treatment by helping patients stay as mentally and physically comfortable as possible

Animal Therapy With Our Trained Therapy Dog

Hope comes in many forms — including on four paws. City of Hope Chicago’s certified therapy dog, Ryan the poodle, makes the rounds at our Chicago hospital and our Downtown Chicago and North Shore locations, greeting patients with a friendly, positive tail wag. Studies have shown that interacting with a therapy animal can improve patients’ well-being and outlook, while also reducing stress and anxiety.

Our Chicago Supportive Care Team

Our supportive care team at City of Hope Chicago is dedicated to treating you as a person, not a diagnosis, and to helping you manage any side effects you experience and maintain your quality of life. If you are a patient at City of Hope, talk to your care team about which supportive care options may most benefit you.