BEYOND CANCER TREATMENT: Survivorship Begins at Diagnosis

With the tremendous strides made in cancer care, more and more survivors live long and active lives after their treatment ends. But the key to lifelong health does not stop there. Specialized services can help you manage the physical and emotional impacts of your disease during and after treatment.

The cancer survivorship program at the Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Sugar Land is the first of its kind to be offered in Fort Bend County. It is designed to improve the physical, social, psychological and spiritual health of cancer survivors and caregivers.

“We believe that survivorship starts at diagnosis,” said Dr. Andrew Johnsrud, board-certified hematologist-oncologist at Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land. “The goal of our survivorship program is to help our patients along every step of their cancer treatment and beyond.”

Available Programs

The cancer survivorship series offers support groups and classes free of charge. Topics include:

■ Thriving Through Creative Arts — offers survivors a chance to express themselves through creative arts, including drama, dance, music and poetry.

■ Life in Motion — designed to improve balance, coordination, and agility along with enhancing social and emotional health.

■ Music4Life — designed to encourage support among likeminded individuals using musical experiences. This group provides an outlet for emotional and self-expression, coping skills, and creates positive relationships. No talent is needed to benefit, and Music4Life is led by a boardcertified music therapist.

Th ese programs not only provide physical benefits, but also promote community. Survivors are able to meet and interact with others who have lived through similar experiences.

“No one should feel like they are alone on their cancer journey,” Johnsrud said. “Community and connection with others, who are also survivors, can have a big impact on healing.” •

Expert Cancer Care Close To Home

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is Fort Bend County’s only hospital with the American College of Surgeons – Commission on Cancer accreditation. The care team achieved such accreditation by continuously proving commitment to providing highquality, expert care to the local community.

Our compassionate and supportive team provides the full scope of cancer services, including screenings, genetic testing, diagnostics, leading edge treatments, the latest technology and access to clinical trials.

Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Sugar Land offers:

■ Specialists who collaborate to deliver the most effective treatment plan for you

■ Personalized treatment plans leveraging the most advanced technology and techniques available, including immunotherapy and minimally invasive procedures

■ Oncology nurse navigators who provide support through and beyond your recovery

■ Screenings and educational events to help prevent cancer

■ High-risk programs designed to help prevent cancer through nutrition, education, genetic counseling and disease surveillance

To request an appointment with a cancer specialist, visit houstonmethodist.org/cancer-sl or call 281.201.6669

Find Support

For more information on Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Sugar Land’s cancer survivorship series or to register, visit houstonmethodist.org/ events and search for “Cancer Survivorship Series” or call 281.205.4514.