Cancer: Thriving & Surviving Program
A community-based education workshop to help cancer survivors live a full and active life. This workshop is recommended for adults who currently have or have had a previous diagnosis of cancer.
Below you will find more details about the program. Click the button to find a workshop near you.
What topics are covered?
- Mind Body Connection
- Fatigue Management And Getting Help
- Getting A Good Night’s Sleep
- Regaining Fitness During And After Treatment
- Dealing With Depression
- Managing Pain
- Living With Uncertainty
- Cancer And Changes To Your Body
- Future Plans For Health Care
- Healthy Eating
- Treatment And Complementary Therapies
- Cancer And Relationships
- Guided Imagery / Relaxation
- Communication With Your Healthcare Provider
- Decision Making
- Action Planning And Problem Solving
Who can attend ?
This interactive and participatory program is for adults who are living with cancer or who have had a previous diagnosis of cancer. This workshop teaches real-life skills for living a full and active life.
Does the program replace existing programs ?
The program does not replace any existing programs or treatment. In fact, the classes enhance those provided through accredited programs often provided in hospital settings. Treatment is not altered. For medical questions, participants are referred to their physicians. If the content of the course conflicts with instructions they receive elsewhere, they are advised to follow their physicians’ orders and discuss discrepancies with the doctor.
What can I expect from the class ?
Cancer: Thriving & Surviving Program came about through a collaboration by Dr. Kate Lorig (who is a cancer survivor herself), University of Hawaii and Cancer Centers in CO, VA and TX (www.selfmanagementresource.com). The first Cancer: Thriving & Surviving Program released was an on-line version but in 2015 a face-to-face version was released and has been taught to several hundred participants around the country since then. Significant improvement was observed in the following areas:
- Increased energy (+ 13.8%)
- Decreased depression (- 19.1%)
- Provider communication (+ 16.7%)
- Less pain (-19%)
- Problems related to stress (-17%) and sleep (20%)
Details of program
This program is based on the Chronic Disease Self Management Program (CDSMP) developed at the Stanford University Patient Education Research Center. Different subject matters are taught over the course of 6 weekly, 2-1/2 hour sessions all focused to help those affected by cancer. This program covers both the physical aspect of managing cancer as well as the emotional aspect of coping with cancer. Resources, skills and action planning contribute to having a greater sense of control over living with cancer.
Caregivers/support people are welcome at the workshops and are encouraged to participate as well. Workshops are led by 2 trained lay leaders and are held in community settings (libraries, community centers, churches, housing units etc) for 10-16 individuals. Textbooks are provided for each participant to use as a resource throughout the workshop. Participants are encouraged to attend all 6 sessions. Classes are fun and interactive. Participants share their successes and build a common source of support. The workshop builds confidence around managing health, staying active, and enjoying life.
What our participants say...
