American Cancer Society will Sponsor "I Can Cope" Classes

Cancer patients and their families and friends face numerous challenges. Suddenly plunged into a world of unfamiliar medical terms, tests, and treatments, many feel overwhelmed. I Can Cope was designed to meet the needs of these patients and their families.

Developed by two nurses and offered across the country by the American Cancer Society, I Can Cope provides the kind of cancer education that patients need – practical information about cancer, an understanding of the various treatments used to fight cancer, and strategies for self-care for those facing cancer. Each class emphasizes an important topic to the cancer experience.

{sidebar id=1}The I Can Cope curriculum incorporates information about the latest advances in cancer treatment and stresses the role of class participants as partners in the learning experience. Guest lecturers provide important background information, and class members are encouraged to identify and find solutions for some of the challenges they face in coping with cancer. Family members are encouraged to attend, and their concerns are included in all classes, particularly those that deal with communication and intimacy. Improving communication skills has benefits within the family and in the doctor-patient relationship.

Hundreds of people with cancer and those close to them have found I Can Cope to be “just what the doctor ordered.” Class members are always encouraged to discuss problems with their physicians or health care providers, while at the same time taking responsibility for much of their own well-being by learning to better manage issues such as stress, diet, and exercise. Participants consistently praise I Can Cope and the facilitators who lead the classes for giving them the opportunity to learn and to share with others what is often the most challenging experience of their lives.

The I Can Cope program is a component of the American Cancer Society Cancer Resource Network – a free, comprehensive resource to help patients and their caregivers manage the impact of cancer on their lives through up-to-date cancer information and referrals to Society programs and other community resources.

Classes take place at A Woman’s Place, located at 1301 East 6th Avenue, starting September 10th from 10:00am.-11:30am. Dr. Angela Singh is facilitating these diverse and informative classes with a range of topics and guest speakers. Dr. Singh can be contacted at 850-599-3369. Call or just show up!

If you are interested in learning more about I Can Cope, call your American Cancer Society community office at 850-297-0588, or call 1-800-ACS-2345.

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