Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson

Resources to Help You Navigate

The Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson is your partner on the road to recovery. As we navigate this journey together, we understand that cancer can affect many aspects of your life. That's why the Jefferson staff works with you and your family, helping to meet your physical and emotional needs during this difficult time.

From state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment options to compassionate and supportive care at all points in the cancer journey, the Kimmel Cancer Center strives to provide the superior care that you deserve.

We realize that you may have many worries at this time, and we feel strongly that your emotional health is as important as your physical well-being. We also recognize that you are an individual with your own unique set of concerns. Consequently, we have established an active cancer patient and family support program that offers many benefits to you and your family.

Oncology Social Workers

Our oncology social workers are trained in individual and family therapy and are available to meet with cancer patients to assist with the psychosocial impact of cancer treatment, and can provide a valuable link to available community resources. Social workers understand that cancer is a disease that affects the entire family, and sometimes those affects last after treatment is completed. One of the main goals in offering social work services in oncology is to reduce outside stressors, which can impact a person's ability to cope with a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Individual/Family Counseling

Oncology social workers specialize in:

• Individual, couple and family counseling to cope with illness adjustment issues, stress management and/or end-of-life issues.
• Support and referrals for symptoms of anxiety and depression related to the cancer diagnosis
• Support for patients in talking with their children and grandchildren about their cancer diagnosis.
• Resource information and financial needs (home healthcare; medical equipment; Social Security Disability (SSD)/Social Security Insurance (SSI); prescription assistance; hospice care; insurance questions; transportation; general financial assistance.

To speak with a social worker, call 215-955-8370.

Support and Educational Programs

We coordinate many support and educational programs to help you and your family manage the physical and psychosocial effects of cancer treatment. These programs can both increase your knowledge about cancer and treatment options and also help you to cope successfully with a diagnosis of cancer. Through our programs, we can help you take your first steps in becoming a cancer survivor. Learn more about our programs.

Buddy Program

We have a Buddy Program in which trained survivors of cancer provide support and encouragement to patients who are newly diagnosed. We can put you in touch with someone who understands what you are going through. The Buddies in our program at one time received a new diagnosis of cancer and were facing the same unfamiliar territory that you now face.

Support from someone who knows what you are going through can be invaluable in helping you to cope with cancer and all the changes that go along with it. Call 215-955-8370 if you would like to be matched with a Buddy or if you would like to be a Buddy.