Patient Support Services

We are here to help you...

From diagnosis through treatment and into recovery, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey offers a wide variety of support services for cancer patients and their families. Our Patient Support Services program can help you with issues such as managing stress, coping with the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis, dealing with treatment and its side effects, and adjusting to the many changes in your life.

The following resources and programs are available, most at no cost:

	Cancer Transitions Offered in collaboration with the Cancer Support Community, the free six-week series is for people with all types of cancer who have completed active treatment one month to two years ago and now have no signs of cancer. The program will include information about exercise, nutrition, emotional health and medical care after cancer treatment ends. Guest speakers include a nurse, nutritionist and a fitness expert. The series is held the second Tuesday Each Month from 7:00pm – 8:30pm. All sessions take place at the Cancer Institute. For additional details and to register, call Katherine Schaible at 908-658-5400, ext. 104.
	Chair-Side Stress Management With individual assistance, practice relaxation and visualization which have been shown to be effective in reducing pain, decreasing anxiety, and boosting the immune system. Learn ways to balance your energy and increase your self-care techniques. Offered Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:30pm - 2:30pm. Ask your nurse how to participate.
	Education Programs A comprehensive education program for both patients and caregivers is offered by the Cancer Institute of New Jersey. Classes include orientation for patients new to treatment, bone marrow transplant orientation, radiation oncology orientation, and the American Cancer Society's Look Good Feel Better program. The Cancer Support Community will also offer a monthly health and wellness class for our patients and their family members. View available programs or for more information call 732-235-6792.
	Social Work Services The Social Work Department is available to assist cancer patients through all phases of their cancer journey. Our social work staff provides services for patients and their families including individual and family counseling, assistance with difficult decisions and preparation of advanced directives, stress management, and information and referrals to community agencies. The services provided by the Social Work Department are available to patients and their families free of charge. Some referrals may have associated fees. For additional information visit the webpage or call 732-235-6792.
	Support Groups Support groups provide a forum to discuss cancer-related issues that are impacting your life. Participants can get useful information about community services, share tips on coping skills and find new ways to deal with stress. Groups provide a supportive atmosphere to share feelings, questions and concerns with other cancer patients and their families. All of our groups are professionally led by one of our social work staff. View a current list of support groups.
	Resource and Learning Center The Resource and Learning Center located on the second floor at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey provides reliable, relevant and current information about all aspects of cancer. It is staffed by a full-time medical librarian and is free and open to patients and the community. To learn more visit the webpage.
	Tobacco Dependence Program The Tobacco Dependence Program, supported by the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the School of Public Health, provides expertise, advice and guidance on how to quit smoking and tobacco. This program is free and open to anyone interested. For additional information visit the webpage.
	Cancer Exercise Program The Cancer Wellness Program at Robert Wood Johnson Fitness and Wellness Center in New Brunswick provides supervised exercise, education and support based on each patient's cancer diagnosis and treatment. The program consists of 16 one-hour sessions over 8 weeks. For additional information contact the Fitness and Wellness Center at 732-853-8335 or visit the website. Financial assistance for this program may be available.

Patient Support Services

We are here to help you...

Cancer Transitions

Chair-Side Stress Management

Education Programs

Social Work Services

Support Groups

Resource and Learning Center

Tobacco Dependence Program

Cancer Exercise Program