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On October 27th, 19 parents and children gathered in costume at CancerCare’s national office for “What’s Behind the Mask?,” a free Halloween event. The evening provided a fun time for kids, and also served as an opportunity for self-expression and bonding with others in similar situations.

CancerCare’s Women’s Cancer Program Director, Allison Nilsen, LCSW, was recently invited to speak at an event about sexuality after breast cancer. In this excerpt from an earlier interview, Allison answers some frequently asked questions about CancerCare’s services.

At CancerCare, we are proud to offer and support innovative programs that recognize the ways in which cancer impacts the whole person, as well as a person’s entire support system. That’s why we are delighted to share that Magnolia Meals at Home^®, a program that delivers nutritious meals at no-cost to patients living with breast cancer and their families, has expanded to help those living with thyroid cancer.

It isn’t unusual for people with cancer to find that the intense care and show of concern from friends and family begins to gradually dwindle away after their initial diagnosis. They may begin to feel their support systems slowly fading away as treatment progresses. It’s vitally important to remember that cancer treatment and recovery is often long and arduous, which is why it’s so important to provide cancer support throughout the entire duration of your loved one’s treatment.

Conversations about body image and self-esteem can be difficult to have with teenagers, even more so if their bodies have undergone a significant change as the result of a cancer diagnosis. CancerCare oncology social worker Sarah Paul, MSW, LMSW, discusses the importance of talking about body image with teens who have cancer, and offers tips on starting the conversation for parents and/or guardians.

“It’s frightening to hear someone talk about cancer, and we automatically think about ourselves. But try to keep your own feelings in check and focus on the person who has been diagnosed. You don’t have to fix this situation or say something profound, just being there is huge.”

CancerCare oncology social worker Sarah Kelly, LCSW, comments on the frequently asked question of what to say to someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, and what kind of comments to avoid.

When coping with a cancer diagnosis, good communication with your health care team may make a big difference in your care. Communication may build trust between you and your health care team, and improve the level of care you receive. CancerCare intern Alessandra Newton offers some tips and suggestions to help build a better relationship between you and your health care team.

A wholesome and nourishing diet plays an essential part in your overall health. This is especially true when coping with cancer. However, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy diet while managing the side effects of chemo. Luckily, there are steps you can take which will help you remain strong and healthy throughout your chemotherapy treatment.

Anxiety is very common among people with cancer. For some it occurs when they wake up, and for others, as they try to go to sleep.

CancerCare’s Men’s Cancers Program Director, Richard Dickens, MS, LCSW-R, addresses three common concerns that can interfere with sleep, and offers tips to reduce anxiety and help you get a good night’s rest.

Coping can be challenging when you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. If you are in distress, it may be difficult to perform everyday tasks, keep up with treatments or care for yourself. Throughout the treatment process, some people may decide to incorporate integrative techniques into their lives to cope. Integrative medicine helps manage symptoms and side effects using different therapies along with standard cancer treatment. Common side effects of cancer treatment include fatigue, psychological distress, nausea, and pain. An integrative approach may help you.