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Oncology Wellness Program

A program to assist those undergoing cancer treatments

Young woman dressed in pink with her young family

WORKING TOGETHER TO HEAL THE WHOLE YOU

The HSHS St. Anthony's Oncology Wellness Program assists those undergoing cancer treatments to improve their quality of care and quality of life from initial cancer diagnosis, through all stages of treatment, and after treatment is completed. Studies have shown that exercise during and after cancer treatment is safe and results in improvements in physical function, activity level, and fatigue.

Pretreatment

Functional Assessment
Education – Posture, skin care, lymphedema precautions (if appropriate) and medical guidelines for safe exercise.
Home Exercise Program to minimize the mobility and strength deficits that may arise from treatment and assist in reducing cancer-related fatigue.

Rehabilitation

Evaluation by physical, occupational, or speech therapy to treat deficits from cancer treatment or surgeries.
Home Exercise Program instruction within medical guidelines designed to combat cancer-related fatigue, pain and weakness and allow you to maintain independence with your daily activities.

Survivor Support and Wellness

Evaluation by physical, occupational, or speech therapy to reduce and limit any long-term effects that may arise and affect your physical function and empower you to be as active as possible.

Symptom support

Symptoms that Oncology Wellness can assist with:

Pain
Weakness
Tiredness (fatigue)
Neck and Shoulder Problems
Balance and Walking Difficulties
Memory and Concentration Issues
Swallowing and Speech Problems
Swelling (lymphedema)
Difficulties with Activities of Daily Living (self-care, functions at home)
Scar Tenderness/Tightness
Post-Mastectomy Pain Syndrome
Post-Surgical/Radiation/Chemo Range of Motion and Mobility Deficits
Bowel/Bladder Incontinence
Pelvic Pain
Chemo-Induced Neuropathy
Durable Medical Equipment Assessment and Recommendations

Getting a referral

In order to have Oncology Wellness services, a physician’s referral is required, typically from your family practitioner, oncologist, or surgeon. St. Anthony's accepts most insurances and your insurance benefits can be checked before your evaluation.

For questions or more information about how you may benefit from Cancer Rehabilitation, contact us at 217-347-1243.

Additional support resources

Nutrition Services

Registered Dietitians at St. Anthony can help address nutritional issues and symptoms such as constipation, uncontrolled diarrhea, severe taste changes or dry mouth, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and other symptoms. They can also determine nutritional needs for those requiring tube feedings, and provide education to families on home feedings. For assistance or more information, contact Clinical Nutrition and Diabetes Services at 217-347-1288.

Breast Cancer Support Group and Wig Bank

HSHS St. Anthony’s Women’s Wellness offers a Breast Cancer Support Group in the Women’s Wellness Center. This group is open to all breast cancer patients and survivors, offering support, encouragement and education. They meet every other month on the fourth Thursday. There is no charge to attend.

St. Anthony’s Wig Bank, in partnership with the American Cancer Society, offers wigs of various styles and colors, free to all cancer patients in need of a wig.

For more information, contact Women’s Wellness at 217-347-1571.

Counseling Services

HSHS Home Care offers four counseling sessions at no charge. Dependent on their needs, patients may meet with a social worker or counselor.