St. Vincent Medical Center and the LAOI also offer support groups and educational activities to help patients dealing with the effects of cancer and its treatment. These services range from appearance seminars and exercise classes to a complementary medicine center.

Look Good… Feel Better Program
The Look Good… Feel Better program is an appearance counseling seminar for female cancer patients. It was developed in cooperation with the American Cancer Society, and helps people undergoing cancer treatment develop skills to improve their appearance. It also helps to improve the patient's self-image. Look Good… Feel Better:

• Helps people with cancer to understand that they are in charge of their appearance.

• Increases self-esteem and the overall well-being of patients by helping them during treatment.

• Creates a nationwide resource network for patients. This network consists of cosmetology professionals, health care professionals, and American Cancer Society volunteers.

Dynamic Strength Training Sessions
These free one-hour strength-training sessions are offered to cancer patients twice weekly by a certified fitness instructor. These classes work to bolster the bodies and spirits of patients coping with the effects of cancer treatment.


The Wellness Community
The Wellness Community is a national non-profit organization that provides support, education and hope to people with cancer and their loved ones. Through participation in professionally led support groups, educational workshops and mind/body classes utilizing the "Patient Active Concept," people affected by cancer learn vital skills that enable them to regain control, reduce isolation and restore hope, regardless of the stage of disease. Most importantly, the Wellness Community provides a home-like setting for people fighting cancer, encouraging them to connect with and learn from each other.


Patient Support Group
The Wellness Community conducts a free cancer support group weekly at St. Vincent Medical Center.

For more information on patient support services, contact Los Angeles Oncologic Institute.

Related links:
Clinical Trials
Patient Professional & Community Education
Patient Support Services
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