Cancer treatment can take a toll on your physical and emotional health. At McGlinn Cancer Institute, we are with you every step of the way — from support groups and help managing side effects to wellness services, counseling, and rehabilitation. We offer convenient services close to home in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Patient navigation to guide you through cancer.

Learning that you have cancer is life-changing. The experience brings many concerns and questions and it can be challenging to understand the complexity of cancer and the healthcare system.

Our nurse navigators are here to help you — from diagnosis and biopsy through treatment and survivorship. They serve as personal guides for information and coordination of care, and are your advocate to make sure you receive support and knowledge to help you find your way.

Nurse navigators will:

  • Guide you to healthcare services for continuity and coordination of care.
  • Educate and support you, your family, and your caregivers.
  • Help you manage appointments.
  • Help you communicate with your providers.
  • Connect you to community resources and support services such as nutrition, social services, and psychological support.

Our nurse navigators are ready to assist you. Talk to your doctor about a referral to our nurse navigation services or call:

Managing Cancer Side Effects

Our cancer support services help you manage the psychological and physical side effects of coping with cancer. We offer many services to help you manage your pain and the side effects of your disease and treatment. Our goal is your total wellness. Some of the services we offer include:

  • Fertility preservation. We offer advanced IVF procedures including intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo freezing and storage. 
  • Lymphedema care. Lymphedema is caused by the removal of, or damage to, your lymph nodes. It occurs when the lymph fluid doesn’t drain well and builds up, leading to swelling. We offer physical therapy, massage, and compression garments to help lessen the effects of lymphedema.
  • Nutritional counseling. Our registered dietitians provide nutrition care for our cancer patients. If you are admitted to the hospital, you may receive nutrition screening, including a nutrition assessment, education, support, and monitoring. You can also receive outpatient nutritional counseling.
  • Palliative care. This service is designed for patients and families who are facing a serious or life-threatening illness, regardless of the diagnosis or their ability to pay. Our team includes specially trained doctors, nurses, social workers, and chaplains. They work to keep you as comfortable and active as possible while providing support to your entire family.
  • Image Recovery Center at Reading Hospital. Cancer treatments can cause temporary or permanent physical changes that have the potential to alter body image. We address appearance-related issues with color, clothing, cosmetics, hair replacement, and mastectomy products.

Integrative Therapies 

We understand that cancer affects every aspect of your life. That’s why we offer an integrative approach to support treatment and recovery, bringing together traditional medicine with an evidence-based approach to mind and body practices. This means we can combine traditional cancer treatment with integrative practices like lifestyle modifications, natural products, guided imagery, exercise, acupuncture, and more. 

We offer onsite classes, workshops, and events, including:

  • Massage therapy
  • Reiki therapy
  • Gentle movement including yoga and Tai Chi
  • Art and pet therapy
  • Mindfulness and relaxation technique

Cancer Rehabilitation

You’ve accomplished so much. You are a hero. And now more than ever, it’s time to maximize your recovery. Your cancer rehabilitation team is here to help. Our goal is your total wellness — both physical and emotional. We provide the most complete, personalized rehabilitation care to help you regain your health and get your life back on track. 

As a survivor, you may have symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, insomnia, memory loss, fear, anxiety, and depression. Our rehabilitation services can help you recover more quickly and more completely. Your health and recovery are our passion, and we evaluate your diet, sleep patterns, existing pain, endurance, strength, exercise habits, and emotional outlook so we can tailor a plan for you.

We offer:

  • Physical therapy. Helps with mobility, strength, and pain reduction. 
  • Occupational therapy. Helps improve daily living activities like bathing, dressing, and cooking.
  • Speech and language therapy. Helps with speaking, feeding, and swallowing
  • Nutritional counseling. We work with you to develop a nutrition plan that will guide your food choices and fuel your body so you can recover healthily.
  • Mental health counseling. Cancer diagnosis and treatment takes its toll. You are a survivor. We can help you learn coping skills, gain emotional strength, and move forward in a positive, healthy direction.

Each team member provides expert medical guidance, training, encouragement, and support throughout your rehabilitation.

Social Work Services 

When first diagnosed with cancer, there are many priorities to consider — tests, treatments, side effects, doctor appointments, and so much more. It’s important to know that there are many more parts of your life that will be affected as well — self-image, work, family, friendships, and finances.

Our social workers offer counseling to those who are affected by cancer and need assistance. They can also help with:

  • Understanding your diagnosis and treatment plan
  • Case management
  • Educational information
  • Financial assistance
  • Counseling
  • Support groups
  • Community programs

Support Groups

Support groups offer encouragement and advice, as well as practical tips for dealing with illness, recovery, and the challenges of everyday life. Connecting with others with similar experiences can help validate your feelings, lift your spirits, and help reduce stress. Support groups offer an environment to:

  • Discuss questions or concerns related to cancer treatment.
  • Share difficult feelings.
  • Work through grief, anger, or confusion.
  • Give you information about community resources.
  • Talk with others who can relate to your feelings.

Survivorship Care Planning

Cancer care doesn’t end when treatment is over. You may have long-term physical and emotional effects after treatment, and questions about follow-up care and what to expect in the future.

Cancer may have affected your finances, employment, relationships, or spiritual beliefs. You may be scheduled for a cancer survivorship appointment as you complete cancer treatment. This visit provides education and resources to help you transition from cancer treatment to wellness. During the visit, you'll meet with a nurse, physician, or nurse practitioner to review your treatment. You will receive a survivorship care plan in addition to resources and follow-up care information. A survivorship care plan ensures you get the best possible healthcare as you go forward after treatment.

Find a cancer support group near you.