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Cancer Survivorship
Each year, Hoag treats over 4,500 new cancer patients, making it the top patient-preferred cancer program in Orange County. Robust support services for patients and families at the Hoag Family Cancer Institute currently include access to licensed therapists and social workers, chaplains, support groups and more. These resources ensure that patients with cancer receive emotional support during and after treatment to process the impact of a cancer diagnosis on their life and the lives of their loved ones.
Counseling: Licensed clinical social workers provide four to six complimentary sessions to alleviate the stress brought on by a cancer diagnosis.
Support Groups: Led by nurse navigators or licensed social workers, support groups provide peer-to-peer mentorship and mental health support for patients battling similar diagnoses. There are currently 15 active support groups at Hoag for patients with diagnoses such as bladder cancer, brain tumors, gastrointestinal cancer, gynecologic cancer, breast cancer and pancreatic cancer. A bereavement support group serves as an opportunity for healing following a cancer-related death, and the Grief Recovery Method series is offered to patients’ families to help with the pain and emotional loss of a loved one.
Healing Art Classes: From workshop series that include Art for the Soul, Free-Form Writing, HealthRHYTHMS Drum Circle and more, the Hoag Family Cancer Institute’s popular Expressive Arts Program gives patients a vital source of socialization and comfort in the midst of their cancer journey. Many attest to the cathartic nature of the classes and the joy and creativity they spark in the face of mental hardship.
Brighter Image Program: To help patients improve self-esteem and self-image while living with hair loss and skin changes due to cancer treatments, Hoag provides access to licensed esthetician Karey York through the Brighter Image Program. More than just free wigs, the program gives male and female patients alike a return to some sense of normalcy.
Wellness Services: Additional support services available to patients include oncology massage, oncology dietitian support and reiki for patients undergoing active treatment for cancer, which can include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
Expanding Care
The Patty & George Hoag Cancer Center in Newport Beach is completing a two-year renovation scheduled to open in March 2023. With the addition of a new patient pavilion in Irvine, scheduled for completion in 2025, the Hoag Family Cancer Institute will have two new state-of-the-art facilities to deliver high-quality, integrated cancer resilience and wellness services. Philanthropic support would fund the enhancements to cancer care below, allowing Hoag to better meet individualized patient needs.
One-to-one therapy, including two visits with a psychiatrist and access to a psychologist for longer-term counseling.
Expansion of integrative services for spiritual support, mindfulness, acupuncture, oncology massage and related wellness programs.
