Leo W. Jenkins Cancer Center partners to offer "Cancer Transitions" program for survivors | Eastern NC Now

Leo W. Jenkins Cancer Center partners to offer "Cancer Transitions" program for survivors

    GREENVILLE, NC     Leo W. Jenkins Cancer Center is partnering with Carolina Well, a survivorship program of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, to offer a nationally recognized program that helps cancer survivors make the transition from active treatment to post-treatment care.

    Developed by The Wellness Community and LIVESTRONG®, Cancer Transitions is a six-week free program that offers cancer survivors individualized advice and information on issues such as exercise, nutrition, emotional health, quality of life and medical concerns after cancer treatment ends.

    The six sessions will be held weekly on Wednesdays, starting on Sept. 12 from 5:30-8 p.m. at the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, 930A Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC. To register or for more information, contact Judy B. Koutlas, RN, at (252) 744-5342 or koutlasj@ecu.edu.

    Cancer survivors often find that transitioning out of treatment raises a variety of questions about what to do now, how to stay healthy, how to cope with possible long-term side effects of cancer and its treatment and how to define a new "normal" for their lives. During the program, cancer survivors participate in small-group activities and question-and-answer sessions with experts including doctors, nutritionists, and fitness experts who will discuss a variety of topics that are important in transitioning to cancer survivorship.

    "We are pleased to partner with UNC, home of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, to offer this program at no cost and help cancer survivors in the Greenville area by giving them the information and tools to take charge of their own health and move forward into a full and productive life as a cancer survivor," said Koutlas, oncology nurse navigator.

    Cancer Transitions: Moving Beyond Treatment™ has a proven track record as an evidence-based program that provides cancer survivors with the tools they need to take charge of their own health and quality of life.

    The Leo W. Jenkins Cancer Center provides outpatient cancer services through a collaboration between Vidant Health and the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. Cancer experts diagnose and treat thousands of cancer patients every year. Through clinical trials, cancer patients have access to the latest, most promising treatments. The staff at Leo W. Jenkins Cancer Center is a resource for patients wanting to learn how to manage their illness and take advantage of services available close to home. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (252) 744-1888 or (800) 223-9328. After hours, call (800) 722-3281 for the ECU Physicians answering service.

    Contact: Beth Anne Atkins, Vidant Health Strategic Development, (252) 847-7735 or beth.atkins@VidantHealth.com

    Vidant Health, a mission-driven, not-for-profit corporation, owns, leases or has a majority membership interest in nine eastern North Carolina hospitals and has a management agreement with one other. The health system includes Albemarle Health, Vidant Beaufort Hospital, Vidant Bertie Hospital, Vidant Chowan Hospital, Vidant Duplin Hospital, Vidant Edgecombe Hospital, The Outer Banks Hospital, Vidant Medical Center, Vidant Pungo Hospital, Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, Vidant Home Health and Hospice, Vidant Wellness Centers, Vidant Medical Group and is affiliated with the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. On the web at www.vidanthealth.com.