May 20, 2004

Cancer Center creates psychosocial program

The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University has created a psychosocial oncology program to address the broad needs that often accompany cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The psychosocial oncology team, under the direction of Dr. Gina Graci, includes physicians, clinical psychologists, social workers, nutritionists and a clinical nurse specialist, who will focus on enhancing and preserving patients’ quality of life, access to care and treatment of symptoms related to cancer.

In addition to providing counseling services to cancer patients and their families, the Cancer Center’s psychosocial oncology team will organize support groups and offer psychoeducational and experiential workshops.

The goals of these programs are to support patient and family health and healing, reduce distress, and empower patients to cope with the effects of diagnosis, treatment, post-treatment, end-of-life issues and bereavement.

The psychosocial oncology program began these new services in January. These programs will be held in the conference room of The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, 675 N. St. Clair St., 21st floor, Room 150.

For information, call (312) 695-0990 or (866) LURIE-CC.