Subscribe | Forward to a Friend | About Us
Dear friends of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Survivorship Program,
A chronic physical illness such as cancer can be a source of stress to a cancer survivor but it also affects the family members and close friends who serve as caregivers. Several studies have documented the considerable impact that giving care has on quality of life (QOL). Research has shown that family caregivers can experience increased depression, anxiety, physical symptoms, limitations in activities, strain in marital relationships, and diminished health. Not surprisingly, spouses may experience as much, if not more, distress than patients. Therefore, complete and proper care of a cancer survivor should also involve support for the caregiver.
This edition of "Survive and Thrive" features information about cancer's impact on the family and caregivers. Hopefully the information provided will enhance your understanding of the impact that a cancer diagnosis can have on you as well as your friends and family.
Wishing you well,
| K. Scott Baker Director, Survivorship Program |
Karen Syrjala, PhD Co-Director, Survivorship Program |
The Family & Cancer: Helping Families Thrive, Not Merely Survive
Cancer is an illness of the family, not a disease of the patient. Dr. Fran Lewis from the University of Washington School of Medicine describes the challenges every family faces when a member has cancer and coping strategies for dealing with these challenges.
Read more »
Exercise and Thrive
Beginning in September 2009 the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Survivorship Program will offer another 10-week session of its strength-and-fitness program, Exercise and Thrive, for people who have completed cancer treatment.
Read more »
Educational Events
Survivorship Program lectures at Gilda's Club Seattle
August, September, November 2009
Read more »
Real Life, Real Food for Cancer Survivors: Vitamin D
Monday, July 27
Read more »
Research for Survivors
Quality of life of family caregivers at 2 years after a relative's cancer diagnosis.
Cancer affects not only the quality of life (QOL) of individuals with the disease but also that of their family members and close friends. A recent article in the journal Psycho-Oncology explores the impact on various aspects of the family caregivers' QOL several years after a relative's cancer diagnosis.
Read more »
Survivor Profile
Nancy Edwards
Nancy Edwards, a 41-year old breast cancer survivor, sought referrals from the Survivorship Program to help address her concerns about cancer treatment late effects including lymphedema.
Read more »
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some coping strategies for caregivers?
The American Cancer Society provides a list of healthy situations and ways of coping with the stress of care giving.
Read more »
Learn more about the Survivorship Program
For more information on the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Survivorship Program or to arrange an appointment for yourself, a friend or family member, call 1-866-543-4272, email us at survivor@fhcrc.org or visit our Web site at www.fhcrc.org/survivorship. We hope to hear from you soon.
Questions
To submit comments or questions about the newsletter, or to be added to or deleted from our mailing list, please contact the Survivorship Program at 206-667-2814 or by e-mail at survivor@fhcrc.org.