Support services for breast cancer

Treating breast cancer is a group effort. Edward-Elmhurst Health offers a variety of support services to help you through your breast cancer journey, from diagnosis through survivorship.

We offer the most cancer support programs and complementary therapies than any cancer center in the region. We can link you up with different breast cancer organizations. We can put you in touch with other breast cancer patients. We even offer programs for your family members.

Our support services include:

Complementary therapies

Complementary medicine is used with conventional medicine (not in place of it) as part of our holistic approach to your wellness. Our Integrative Medicine Clinic offers therapies like Reiki, mindfulness therapy, guided imagery, therapeutic massage, acupuncture and more. When used alongside your breast cancer treatments, these therapies can help to reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall well-being. We even offer programs for caregivers and children of cancer patients.

Learn more about the Integrative Medicine Clinic.

Financial counseling

The cost of cancer can be overwhelming. Even with health insurance, many breast cancer patients find themselves needing financial assistance along the way.

If you worry that you may not be able to pay in full for your care, there are resources to help offset the financial burden of cancer. Edward-Elmhurst Health provides financial assistance and counseling to patients based on their income, assets and needs. 

Learn more about financial counseling and support services.

Nutrition services

People with breast cancer are at-risk for developing nutritional deficiencies as a result of the cancer itself or from the side effects of treatments. Breast cancer changes the body’s metabolism which can cause a loss in appetite. It also changes the body’s ability to break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats, and can lead to muscle and weight loss.

Edward-Elmhurst Health offers one-on-one nutrition consultations for people with breast cancer. To make an appointment with our wellness/oncology dietitian Doreen Berard, RN, LDN, in Naperville or Plainfield, please call 630-646-2273 (CARE). Doreen is available at the Edward Cancer Center in Naperville or in Plainfield.

We also offer support through our group class, “Healthy Weight, Healthy You: Thriving After Breast Cancer,” a 12-week dietitian-led weight loss/healthy nutrition class for breast cancer survivors. The next class will be held Tuesday evenings from Sept. 5 - Nov. 21 at the Edward Cancer Center in Naperville. Guest speakers will address exercise, mindful eating, lymphedema, meditation, yoga and behavior. Attendees must have completed chemotherapy treatment and provide a written referral from their oncologist.

For more information or to register for the "Healthy Weight, Healthy You: Thriving After Breast Cancer" class, contact Doreen Berard, RD, LDN, at 630-527-5452, by Tuesday, August 29, 2023.

Doreen has authored several blogs about nutrition and cancer. Read Doreen's blogs here.

Rehabilitation services

Rehabilitation therapies can help you regain independence, build strength and increase energy to participate in activities that are important to you as you undergo breast cancer treatment. Our services include lymphedema therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech and swallowing therapy.

Learn more about our rehabilitation services.

Social workers

You can rely on social workers for help in finding other resources, such as home health, transportation, support groups and counseling. Talking to a social worker can alleviate stress for you and your family. It can ensure that you are getting the proper care for the best possible outcome.

To reach our social workers at the Edward Cancer Centers or the Elmhurst Nancy W. Knowles Cancer Center, call 630-646-2273 (CARE).

Personal health manager

Use the American Cancer Society Personal Health Manager to organize all of the information you get about your cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Contact us

No matter if you’ve been recently diagnosed, if you’re in the middle of treatment, or if your treatment is complete, Edward-Elmhurst Health is here for you every step of the way. Questions about our cancer support services? Call 630-646-2273 (CARE) for more information.

Due to the need for social distancing, many of our breast cancer classes and support groups now have a virtual, online option available and are taught by a live instructor.