Support Services for Cancer Survivors

Adult Survivorship Program

Learn About the Program

People who have had cancer agree that no one should have to go it alone after treatment. Your friends and family can help. Ask your doctor, nurse, social worker, or local cancer organization how to find services in your area like the ones listed below.

Services at Dana-Farber

Clergy/Spiritual Counseling

Some members of the clergy are trained to help you deal with cancer concerns such as feeling alone, fear of death, searching for meaning, and doubts about faith.

Spiritual Care at Dana-Farber 

Genetic Counseling

Trained specialists advise on whether to have gene testing for cancer and how to deal with the results. It can be helpful for you and for family members who have concerns for their own health.

Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program 

Long-Term Follow-up Clinics

All doctors can offer follow-up care, but there are a few clinics that specialize in long-term follow-up after cancer.

Adult Survivorship Program 

Nutritionists/Dietitians

They can help you with gaining or losing weight and with healthy eating.

Nutrition Services

Oncology Social Workers

These professionals are trained to counsel you about ways to cope with treatment issues and family problems related to your cancer. They can tell you about resources and connect you with services in your area.

Social Work at Dana-Farber 

Pain Clinics

These are centers with professionals from many different fields who are specially trained in helping people get relief from pain.

Pain and Palliative Care

Sexual Health

Address any concerns you have about sexual function and health during or after treatment. 

Sexual Health Program

Stress Management Programs

These programs teach ways to help you relax and take more control over stress. Hospitals, clinics, or local cancer organizations may offer such programs and classes.

Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living

Cancer Survivors Supporting Other Patients and Survivors

One-to-One matches cancer survivors with patients and survivors receiving care at Dana-Farber who face a similar diagnosis or treatment regimen.

SoulMates connects breast cancer survivors with breast cancer patients and survivors receiving care at Dana-Farber who face a similar diagnosis.

Support groups available in-person and online enable survivors to interact with others in similar situations.

Family Support Programs

Your whole family may be involved in the healing process. In these programs, you and your family members participate in therapy sessions with trained specialists who can help you talk about problems, learn about each other's needs, and find answers.

Home Care Services

State and local governments offer many services useful after cancer treatment. A nurse or physical therapist may be able to come to your home. You also may be able to get help with housework or cooking. The phone book has contact numbers under Social Services, Health Services, or Aging Services—both nonprofit and for-profit.

Couples Counseling

You and your partner can work with trained specialists who can help you talk about problems, learn about each other's needs, and find ways to cope. Counseling may include issues related to sex and intimacy.

Individual Counseling

Trained mental health specialists help you deal with your feelings, such as anger, sadness, and concern for your future.

Occupational Therapists

They can help you regain, develop, and build skills that are important for independent living. They can help you relearn how to do daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or feeding yourself after cancer treatment.

Physical Therapists

Physical therapists are trained in the way that the body parts interact and work. They can teach you about proper exercises and body motions that can help you gain strength and mobility after treatment. They can also advise you about proper postures that help prevent injuries.

Speech Therapists

Speech therapists can evaluate and treat any speech, language, or swallowing problems you may have after treatment.

Smoking Cessation Services

Research shows that the more support you have in quitting smoking, the greater your chance for success. Many communities have "quit smoking" programs. Ask your doctor, nurse, social worker, or local hospital about what is available, or call (800) 4-CANCER.

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists

If you have disabilities or other special needs after treatment, these services can help you find suitable jobs. Such services include counseling, education and skills training, and help in obtaining and using assistive technology and tools.

In the Community

Being a cancer survivor can affect your job, your health insurance, your finances, and other practical matters. Often, your doctor, nurse, or social worker can be a good source for answers to your questions. There may be resources in your community that can help you get the services you need. Download this list of Resources for Cancer Survivors to find groups and organizations to help you learn more about these issues and resolve problems you may have.

Helpful Tips and Guidance for Cancer Survivors

These downloadable information sheets offer general tips and guidance for many of the issues that cancer survivors typically face. Consider reviewing this information as you create your own plan for living well beyond cancer.

  • Chemobrain
    Many cancer patients experience mental clouding or fogginess during and after treatment, but there are strategies for treating and coping with such symptoms.
  • Emotional Health
    Find tips for achieving emotional health and balance after treatment ends.
  • Exercise and Cancer
    Physical activity offers far-reaching benefits for cancer survivors. We also offer exercise information specifically for survivors of breast cancercolorectal cancer, and prostate cancer
  • Fatigue
    Learn tips and strategies for coping with persistent tiredness after treatment.
  • Helpful Tips for Taking Your Medication
    As a cancer survivor, you may need to take certain medications to maintain your long-term health.
  • Menopause Symptoms
    Hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbance, and other menopause symptoms can be common in breast cancer survivors, but there are ways to address the problem.
  • Mental Health Services
    Learn how a mental health professional can help you address common challenges of survivorship.
  • Mindfulness Resources
    Find a list of websites, smartphone apps, books, and CDs to help you relax and manage stress.
  • Nutrition and Healthy Living
    Staying active and eating a balance of nutritious foods can help boost your immune system and maintain your overall health.
  • Peripheral Neuropathy
    Learn how to cope with this nerve problem, which can cause symptoms such as numbness, weakness, cramping, tingling, burning, or pain.
  • Quitting Smoking
    Anyone can benefit from kicking the habit, but it may be especially important for cancer survivors.
  • Resources for Cancer Survivors
    Find groups and organizations to help you learn more about survivorship and resolve problems you may have.
  • Sexual Health for Women and Sexual Health for Men
    Some types of cancer treatment can affect sexual functioning, including causing vaginal dryness; learn how to address the issues.
  • Sleep Problems
    If you have problems falling asleep or staying asleep at least three nights a week for longer than one month, you may have insomnia. Learn how to address it.
  • Swallowing Problems
    If you were treated for head and neck cancer, you may benefit from tips to deal with swallowing problems, also known as dysphagia.
  • Vasomotor Symptoms
    Learn how to handle symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbance, which can be common for cancer survivors.
  • Weight Management
    Find out how electronic resources and support programs may help you maintain a healthy weight.

If you have questions or would like to learn more about any of topics outlined here, please contact the Adult Survivorship Program at 617-632-4523 or DFCI_adultsurvivors@dfci.harvard.edu.