On behalf of our Board of Trustees, staff, and members, I want to welcome you to the CSC Western Ohio website.

If you are affected by cancer – from being newly diagnosed or well into your treatment, whether you are a family member or care giver to a cancer survivor – CSC is here for you.

If you are a healthcare provider serving cancer patients, we welcome you and invite you to explore our site, contact us, and get involved in our mission to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community.

The Cancer Support Community of Western Ohio is a part of the largest provider of psychosocial cancer support in North America. When we say support, our intent is to ensure that no one in our area faces cancer alone.

Our free and innovative program is an essential complement to medical care. In 2007, the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies issued a groundbreaking report, Cancer Care for the Whole Patient*, advancing the central idea that social and emotional support are as important as medical care in the face of cancer diagnosis. Beyond your healthcare provider Cancer Support Community is providing networking and support groups, workshops, education and social activities.

This programming is vital: Research continues to show that social and emotional support is a critical component of complete cancer care. We provide people with the skills and resources they need to play an active role in their cancer care and to optimize the quality of their lives. In addition, we provide this kind of support to everyone who is affected by the disease-not only cancer patients, but also their family and friends.

Our theme, It’s a New Day, expresses our enthusiasm and joy that we’re able to bring CSC to this area of Ohio. In order for CSC Western Ohio to do its best work, we need your help – spread the word; tell your associates, friends, and family that we’re here and available to all who are affected by cancer. Because cancer knows no boundaries, our goal is to be everywhere we are needed.

Contact us today if you or a loved one has a diagnosis, is in treatment, or remission. We look forward to meeting you and supporting your journey of active recovery and a purposeful life!

Warmly,

Jeanine Hufford
Executive Director

* Read the IOM report online for free or download it for an IOM cost of $36.00.

Many people with cancer who are facing a significant treatment decision are overwhelmed and do not know what questions to ask their doctor or how to make the best use of the limited time with the physician. Research suggests that assisting these patients in advance of these appointments enables them to ask important questions, benefit from the information provided and engage actively with the physician in treatment decisions.  In CSC’s novel decision support counseling program, Open to Options™, a trained Open to Options Specialist meets with the patient either in person or by telephone to help the patient brainstorm a list of personalized question list related to the person’s situation, understanding of the disease and treatment options, and the patient’s goals for treatment. The patient receives a typed list of their questions and concerns that can be shared with the doctor in advance or at the appointment.

 Find out more here.

National CSC Website & Virtual Cancer Support Community

The Virtual Cancer Support Community is designed to enhance access to our free cancer support services through the use of technology and to minimize common barriers to care such as geography. The Virtual Cancer Support Community services include:

• Online Support Groups: Free, professionally led, weekly, password protected support groups offered in real-time. Online Support Groups are available for any person with any type of cancer and for loved ones of people with cancer.
• Resource Library: Visitors can access key cancer resources, including our popular educational materials.
• Kitchen & Nutrition Center: Offers resources and information on vitamins, foods and general nutrition that will be valuable before, during and after treatment.
• Mind/Body Room:  Provides online relaxation and guided imagery exercises for stress management

Visit at: www.cancersupportcommunity.org

Online E-Newsletters & Email Communication

Log on to our local website to subscribe to Cancer Support Community’s online update and receive information about upcoming programs and events and receive a free online e-newsletter.

Medical Marketing & Professional Advisory Board

CSC strives to create and maintain strong relationships with the oncology community, an important source of referrals to our program.  Members of the medical community receive printed materials on a regular basis so they can keep abreast of new programs and events as well as display this information to share with their patients.  Personal contacts are made by staff through office visits, e-mail updates, phone calls, general correspondence, and presentations.  Medical professionals are encouraged to visit CSC if possible and staff is available to meet with them and provide tours.

If you or someone you know can help Cancer Support Community to help spread the word of our mission to help people, please contact us!