Attending to the emotional needs of our patients and their families is an important service of our comprehensive approach to cancer care. Below are support services we offer to patients at the Comprehensive Cancer Center:

• Complementary Medicine Program
• Genetic Testing
• Hospice Program
• Housing
• International Program
• Laboratory
• Nursing Services
• Nutritional Support
• Pain Management Program
• Patient Resource Center
• Pharmacy
• Oncology Supportive Care
• Support Groups
• Volunteer Services

Complementary Medicine includes a broad range of wellness philosophies, approaches and therapies. Special diets, vitamins, herbs, chiropractic care, massage therapy, psychotherapy, acupuncture and spiritual practices are among the most common therapies. Our Complementary Medicine Program is open to patients of Comprehensive Cancer Center who have their physician's approval. Information is provided on complementary therapies and how they may be integrated into the cancer treatment plan. The majority of these services are provided by independent practitioners off-site. Patients are advised to check with their insurance company in advance to determine whether these services are covered.

For further information, please call our Oncology Supportive Care Services Department at (760) 416-4834.

Yoga flyer

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Please call (760) 416-4700 for more information.

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Hospice Program brings comfort and support to patients and their loved ones who are coping with the advanced stage of cancer. The program is designed to empower the patient to make decisions about their care and to live as comfortably and fully as possible. With a positive focus on the natural cycle of life, hospice care aims to relieve the body's pain and soothe the heart and soul.

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The Housing Program is coordinated by the social workers to help arrange housing for patients and family members who travel long distances for treatment. Arrangements may include housing on campus or in nearby hotels.

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As an international resort, the Palm Springs area welcomes visitors from all parts of the world. Patients can benefit from our team approach including translators who can assist with communication regarding health care, housing, and other concerns.

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Laboratory Services are on site and available 24 hours a day for the convenience of our patients.

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Nursing Services are available 24 hours/day. Each patient is assigned a team of nurses to care for them throughout their treatment. This fosters relationship building and promotes continuity of care. Many of our staff are Registered Nurses. Many took special classes to achieve certification through the national Oncology Nursing Society (i.e., Oncology Certified Nurse). The educational background and cancer care experience enable our nurses to provide high quality patient education. In addition, each nurse has to verify skills and clinical competencies annually to maintain a quality performance level.

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Nutritional support during cancer care helps patients maintain their physical and emotional strength. The registered dietitians screen patients for nutritional risk and provide counseling on how to cope with side effects of treatment. The dietitians may also provide counseling regarding nutritional supplements, which may help optimize patients' nutritional status.

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The multidisciplinary Cancer Pain Management Service at the Comprehensive Cancer Center is dedicated to treating all aspects of cancer pain. In coordination with the referring physician, the team, which includes physicians, doctors of pharmacy, nursing, and the staff psychologist and social workers, develops an individualized pain and symptom treatment plan for patients with a focus on quality of life. When necessary, patients may be referred to a neurologist, neurosurgeon, and/or to a physical therapist. The goal of the Cancer Pain Management Service is to relieve pain, and any other associated physical or psychological symptoms the individual may be experiencing. Specific treatments may include medications, relaxation and stress management services to help relieve symptoms.

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Patient Resource Center is located in the patient reception area. It is a multi-media oncology library available for use by our patients and their family members. There are two computers with internet access, and an assortment of books, videos and audio tapes on cancer. Cancer newsletters, pamphlets and community support groups are identified to make it easier for patients to access information or help. A volunteer is available to assist with Internet searches and the CD ROM cancer programs.

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Our multidisciplinary team includes a full-time pharmacy located in the treatment area. The pharmacists are residency trained and receive specialized training in oncology pharmacy practice. They work closely with our physicians to help achieve optimum care of our patients, provide patient education, assistance in pain management and information on complementary medicine.

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Attending to the emotional needs of our patients and their families is an important service of our comprehensive approach to cancer care. The Oncology Supportive Care Services team includes a clinical psychologist, three social workers and two registered dietitians. They offer individual and family counseling as it relates to cancer, support groups and workshops, and referral to pain management services and complementary therapies. These include biofeedback, Yoga, art therapy, massage therapy and pet therapy. Click here for this month's schedule of support programs.

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The Comprehensive Cancer Center offers a range of support groups and programs to help patients and families cope with the cancer experience. Click here for this month's schedule.

Look Good, Feel Better Program
The American Cancer Society hosts the Look Good, Feel Better program at the Comprehensive Cancer Center, the first Monday of the month, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (except August). Trained cosmetologists help with appearance changes associated with some cancer treatments. For more information, please call the American Cancer Society at (800) 227-2345. Press 3 when you hear the recording.

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The dedicated corps of volunteers at the Comprehensive Cancer Center provide patients with an extra measure of warmth and kindness. Many have been touched personally by cancer in some way, whether in their own family or through friends. They support staff by helping escort patients to treatment, assist at the Patient Resource Center, and help greet guests at our community education and outreach events.

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