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Cancer survivorship

June is National Cancer Survivors Month, but we celebrate cancer survivors every day. Thanks to advances in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and follow-up care, more people than ever are surviving this disease. Our mission is to help you thrive as well as survive.

A cancer survivor is anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer — from the moment of diagnosis through treatment and beyond. Main Line Health celebrates survivorship with our patients, families and caregivers. You inspire us every day and continually reinforce our resolve to not only provide the very best care possible, but to work toward a world without cancer. We salute your strength and perseverance.

Breast cancer patient talking with doctor in hospital office setting

Personalized survivorship care

Advances in cancer treatment are allowing more cancer patients to live longer, but cancer journeys are never simple, short or one-size-fits-all. Having empathetic clinicians and receiving personalized, compassionate care can make all the difference in your recovery and remission.

Comprehensive Main Line Health cancer survivorship services are designed to help you and your loved ones during and after treatment through education, support and connections. Oncology nurse navigators can guide you through treatment and services available to you.

Patients who receive survivorship care also gain a better understanding of how to monitor their bodies for signs of recurrence, identify signs of late treatment side effects and collaborate with their health care clinicians to prevent related diseases.

Social work services

We know that a cancer diagnosis is lifechanging. At Main Line Health, your care team is here to address your emotional and spiritual needs as well as your medical needs. We can assist you with personal concerns related to your care and its effect on your loved ones, relationships, finances, employment and self-image.

Our oncology social workers are here to answer your questions, provide compassionate support and offer tools and guidance to help you through each step of your cancer journey.

Women participating in support group

Educational programs and support groups

Patients, loved ones and caregivers may feel alone in their fight against cancer. But you are not alone. There are others who share your hopes, fears and realities. You can find social connections and practical knowledge from people who have been through similar experiences.

We offer free educational seminars and support groups to assist patients and their loved ones. Some are in-person and some are virtual.

Cancer support groups are made to meet you where you are. Whether you’re more comfortable sitting and listening to others or want to jump right in with your own experiences, you can find hope, guidance, knowledge and friendship in a community made up of people like you.

Nutrition services

Nutritional counseling can be a great help to cancer patients as well as loved ones who may be shopping for or preparing meals for patients. Your treatment plan is very individualized, and so is your response to cancer treatment. Medications can change the way food tastes, or you may be experiencing side effects that affect your appetite.

Main Line Health cancer nutrition therapists are registered dietitians who specialize in nutrition for cancer patients. They can help with tips, meal suggestions, recipes, shopping lists and resources to lessen the anxiety around food and help you enjoy it again, while also getting the most benefit from it. What you eat can help you regain strength, combat fatigue and maintain health – as well as bring you joy and togetherness with loved ones.

Older man sitting in doctor's office with doctor standing nearby with hand on patient's shoulder

Cancer screenings

The most effective way to prevent and detect cancer early is through regular screenings, which can find cancer in early stages, when it’s more successfully treated. Talk to your clinician about your cancer risk and relevant screenings.

Depending on your personal and family history, you may also benefit from meeting with a genetic counselor in Main Line Health’s Genetics and Risk Assessment Program.

Cancer care for young adults

Age is one of the biggest risk factors for cancer, with most people being diagnosed over the age of 65. While we’re seeing great strides in cancer prevention, treatment and survival overall, cancer rates in people ages 18 to 49 have increased every year for the past 10 years. This trend is especially prevalent in women.

The most common cancer in adults under 50 is breast cancer, but we’re also seeing increases in cervical, colorectal, GI, testicular and thyroid cancers, and melanoma and lymphoma. Colorectal cancer is particularly deadly – it is the leading cause of cancer deaths for adults under 50.

There are many factors that could be contributing to the increase of cancer in young people. Environmental factors may play a role, as well as the obesity epidemic, prevalence of processed foods and a sedentary lifestyle. Many of these cancers have genetic mutations that can be passed down from one generation to the next.

Young people facing cancer have worries particular to their stage of life. They may be anxious about their job or career. They may be concerned about fertility or may be raising young children. Our goal is to provide holistic care and help them find peer support resources appropriate for young people.

People of all ages can take steps to prevent cancer by leading a healthy lifestyle:

  • Don’t smoke.
  • Get regular exercise and eat a healthy, plant-based diet (avoid red meat and processed meats like deli meat to reduce colorectal cancer risk).
  • Avoid excessive drinking.
  • Know your family history.
  • Get an HPV vaccination (men and women).
  • Be vigilant about any unusual symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite, weakness or pain.
  • Get screened for common cancers as recommended, based on family history and symptoms. 

Comprehensive cancer care

At Main Line Health, we know that people battling cancer want the best tools available in the hands of skilled clinicians. We also understand that every cancer is different, every journey unique. If you or a loved one are fighting cancer, we will be with you every step of the way, from diagnosis through treatment and survivorship.

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