Cancer Support & Services
From physical discomfort to emotional stress, cancer and its treatment can affect all aspects of a patient’s life. That’s why Sylvester offers supportive oncology services to ensure patients and their loved ones receive comprehensive, multi-specialty care that addresses their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs during and after cancer treatment. With access to all of Sylvester’s support services, patients can utilize the resources that will improve well-being and help them thrive as cancer survivors.
Our multidisciplinary team of credentialed physicians and clinicians collaborate with Sylvester’s oncologists to ensure our patients’ treatment and support is as integrated and effective as possible. The supportive oncology program’s mission is to enhance quality of life, facilitate adaptation, and improve health outcomes through evidence-based care.
To learn more or to make an appointment for supportive oncology services at Sylvester, call 305-243-4129.
Psychosocial Oncology
The Courtelis Center for Psychosocial Oncology at Sylvester provides a team of mental health professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers and chaplains to help patients and their families cope with cancer. This program addresses the effect of the mind-body relationship on health, disease, prevention, and recovery. We offer the following psychosocial oncology services:
- Individual (adult/pediatric) and family counseling
- Medication for depression and anxiety
- Assessment and treatment for cancer-related fatigue and cognitive dysfunction
- Support groups, stress management groups, and psychoeducational classes
- Behavioral relaxation techniques and guided imagery
- Cancer-related sexual dysfunction therapy
- Pastoral counseling
- Referrals to community resources
Download the Courtelis Center for Psychosocial Oncology brochure »
Integrative Medicine
Our Integrative Medicine program educates patients about holistic measures that can help with their treatment. The integrative medicine team includes physicians, acupuncturists, registered dieticians, and exercise physiologists. We offer the following integrative medicine services:
- Herbal medicine consultation
- Acupuncture
- Nutritional counseling
- Physical activity/exercise
- Meditation, yoga and tai chi
- Restful sleep practices
- Healing touch and massage
- Pet therapy
- Music therapy
- Arts in Medicine program
Palliative Care
Our Palliative Care program provides patients with comfort and support to improve their quality of life during all stages of cancer treatment and beyond. The palliative care team includes physicians, advanced registered nurse practitioners, and licensed clinical social workers. We offer the following palliative care services:
- Management of distressing symptoms (nausea, shortness of breath, pain, etc.)
- Guidance with difficult and complex treatment choices
- Guidance in navigating the healthcare system
- Emotional and spiritual support for patients and caregivers
Pain Management
Pain Management physicians assist with proper diagnosis and treatment to help alleviate or manage physical discomfort. We offer the following pain management services:
- Medication (muscle relaxers, pain relievers, inflammation reducers, etc.)
- Minimally invasive pain therapy (steroid injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency, etc.)
- Pain relief devices (medication pump, spinal cord stimulation device, etc.)
Cancer Rehabilitation
Sylvester’s cancer rehabilitation program facilitates adaptation to physical changes during and after cancer treatment. The program helps patients regain control over many aspects of their lives and remain as independent and productive as possible. The cancer rehabilitation team includes physicians and physical therapists. We offer the following cancer rehabilitation services:
- Musculoskeletal function restoration
- Lymphedema therapy
- Speech and swallowing therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
Other Services
ACS Cancer Resource Center
In partnership with the American Cancer Society, the Cancer Resource Center is open to current patients, survivors and caregivers. The Cancer Resource Center’s specially trained volunteers offer guidance to cancer patients and their families on how to access supportive services and programs offered by Sylvester and the American Cancer Society. The center also provides free wigs, caps, mastectomy bras, educational materials, and other items.
Patient Relations
The Patient Relations staff assists patients so they can navigate smoothly through the treatment process by focusing on problem solving, addressing patient concerns, as well as explaining Sylvester processes and procedures.
Patient representatives serve as advocates on behalf of our patients to ensure the highest quality of care and satisfaction. They work diligently to ensure patients have seamless access to Sylvester services and provide assistance for the hearing impaired as well as translation services for those patients who do not speak English.
Patient Relations also provides copies of the Patient’s Bill of Rights, which lists a patient’s rights and responsibilities while receiving treatment at any University of Miami health care facility.
To access these special services or for more information, call Patient Relations at 305-243-3820.
Translation Services
At Sylvester, we know the importance of communicating effectively with patients of all cultures and languages.
We offer professional translation and interpretation services to hearing-impaired, Spanish-speaking, and Creole-speaking patients as well as patients who communicate in many other languages.
Patients may access Sylvester’s interpreter services by calling Patient Relations at 305-243-3820 to make an appointment. Once scheduled, interpreters are usually available the next business day.