Cancer Support Services
Virtua offers support services to care for your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs throughout cancer treatment and beyond.
We understand the physical, emotional and spiritual tolls cancer treatment has on you and your loved ones. Our cancer care takes a holistic approach, focusing on your entire well-being, not just your treatment.
Our Approach to Cancer Support
Cancer affects all aspects of your life, and we aim to address all of your questions and concerns. At the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program, your care plan includes more than medical or surgical treatments. Your nurse navigator can also help connect you with resources such as counseling, pain management, and sexual wellness services.
Our Cancer Support Services
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Virtua provides physical therapy, occupational therapy, lymphedema therapy, pelvic therapy, and speech language pathology to help lessen the side effects of cancer treatment. Services are tailored to your individual needs and diagnosis.
More about physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Female Pelvic Medicine
Pelvic floor disorders are common in women with some cancers. Our female pelvic medicine team offers comprehensive treatments to relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life.
More about Female Pelvic Medicine
Sexual Wellness and Pelvic Health
Intimacy with a partner can help you feel loved and supported during your cancer diagnosis and treatment. But cancer treatment can cause physical changes that may make sex painful, alter your body image, and affect your emotions. Our experts provide specialized care for your physical and emotional health and help restore your sexual well-being.
More about sexual Wellness and Pelvic Health
Nutritional Counseling
Cancer treatment can affect your appetite, but getting proper nutrients will help you maintain your weight, fight the disease, and recover sooner. A Virtua registered dietitian will work with your food preferences and health needs to assist you in creating an optimal eating plan.
Social Work and Counseling
Virtua's experienced clinical oncology social workers and counselors specialize in supporting you and your family through the challenges of cancer diagnosis and treatment. They understand that cancer affects each person in a different way. Our social workers provide:
- Free counseling for individuals, couples, and families, along with connections to services that can reduce stress for you and your family through all phases of cancer treatment and survivorship
- Assistance with insurance coverage, Social Security and disability benefit information, and community referrals for housing, transportation, and long-term care
- Facilitation of various support groups, including the breast cancer and gynecologic cancer support groups
You may opt to have one-on-one counseling with an oncology social worker in person or through telehealth appointments, or participate in sessions with a spiritual counselor. You can also access palliative care services, art therapy, or support groups. Because we know cancer can also be difficult for your loved ones, family counseling is also available.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia
Good sleep supports your immune system and relieves stress, which are vital during and after cancer treatment. Virtua offers cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia to help you make changes in your daily activities that support better sleep.
Our trained counselors provide education and tools that help you establish healthy sleep habits, discuss the connection between your thoughts and emotions and sleep, and provide strategies to help you relax. Call 856-206-4730 for more information.
Genetic Counseling
Knowing if you are at a higher genetic risk for certain types of cancers can help you make informed decisions for yourself and your family.
Support Groups
A variety of support groups is available for those undergoing cancer treatment, as well as for cancer survivors. Our support groups are led by social workers, spiritual counselors, and other professionals.
Symptom Management
People undergoing cancer treatment may experience symptoms such as pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Our program with Samaritan offers support to help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life, both during and after treatment.
Home Health Care
Virtua Home Health Care provides patients of all ages with skilled nursing; physical, occupational, or speech therapy; nutritional support; and social work services to aid recovery.
Micropigmentation (nipple tattooing)
After breast reconstructive surgery, many women choose to have nipple reconstruction. A popular option is micropigmentation or nipple tattooing, for realistic, non-surgical nipple creation. This service is offered by board-certified micropigmentation specialists at the Penn Medicine | Virtua Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery office.
Breast Prosthetics
Some women choose to wear breast prosthetics, or breast forms, after a mastectomy. Your Virtua nurse navigator can connect you with a prosthetic specialist who will fit you with comfortable, real-looking breast forms to allow you to look like yourself in any type of clothing.
Wigs, Scarves, Hats to Help with Hair Loss
The RCCA Hair Boutique at the Virtua Samson Cancer Center in Moorestown offers a safe, private haven exclusively for Virtua patients experiencing hair loss related to cancer treatment. The Boutique offers wigs and scarves, free of charge for Virtua patients. Contact your nurse navigator or oncology social worker for more information, or call 856-206-4744.
Camp Oasis
Camp Oasis is a one-day getaway offered twice a year for local children who have a parent or loved one battling cancer. Children and teens experience a day full of fun and support while building connections with other kids who share unique worries and concerns. Virtua also offers three “mini” camps to allow campers to stay connected and receive counseling and support.
Your Personal Care Journey Handbook
A diagnosis of cancer can be a frightening experience for any individual, and for their loved ones. Our Cancer Handbook and Breast Cancer Handbook are designed to inform you and help you keep all of your cancer care information organized. These guides can help you with your questions and decisions in the days ahead.
The Virtua Difference for Cancer Care
An integrated team focused on you
The diagnosis and treatment of cancer requires a coordinated team of experts to collaborate on all aspects of patient care. The Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program team includes Penn Medicine and Virtua physicians working together in New Jersey to provide individualized, state-of-the-art treatment and personalized care. Your case is reviewed by a team of oncology doctors, nurses, and other specialists. Working together, they develop a comprehensive plan to treat YOU, not just your cancer.
An integrated team focused on you
The diagnosis and treatment of cancer requires a coordinated team of experts to collaborate on all aspects of patient care. The Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program team includes Penn Medicine and Virtua physicians working together in New Jersey to provide individualized, state-of-the-art treatment and personalized care. Your case is reviewed by a team of oncology doctors, nurses, and other specialists. Working together, they develop a comprehensive plan to treat YOU, not just your cancer.
Care for the whole person
Cancer affects all aspects of your life, and we’re here to address all of your questions and concerns. At the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program, your care plan includes more than medical or surgical treatments. You can also access resources such as counseling, pain management, and sexual wellness services.
Care for the whole person
Cancer affects all aspects of your life, and we’re here to address all of your questions and concerns. At the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program, your care plan includes more than medical or surgical treatments. You can also access resources such as counseling, pain management, and sexual wellness services.
Cancer clinical trials
We’re constantly working to improve treatments through clinical trials. If you choose to participate in a trial, you may have access to a promising new therapy before it’s widely available. We lead studies on immunotherapy drugs that attack the cancer cells in your body. And we investigate medications that target specific genetic mutations associated with several cancers.
Cancer clinical trials
We’re constantly working to improve treatments through clinical trials. If you choose to participate in a trial, you may have access to a promising new therapy before it’s widely available. We lead studies on immunotherapy drugs that attack the cancer cells in your body. And we investigate medications that target specific genetic mutations associated with several cancers.
Cancer Support Services Quick links
How can we help you?
Cancer Support Groups
Virtua has a variety of cancer support groups to support you and your loved ones through treatment and beyond.
Breast Cancer Support Groups
This group is for women who are undergoing any form of breast cancer treatment. It focuses on sharing experiences and supporting and connecting with others who understand the unique challenges of living with breast cancer.
Gynecologic Cancer Support Groups
This women’s only support group focuses on women with ovarian, cervical, uterine, endometrial, and other gynecologic cancers. Here you can share your feelings and concerns with other women who have had similar experiences.