Support for Cancer Survivors

Nothing can prepare you for the transition from cancer patient to cancer survivor.

It’s a celebration like none other, but it can also come with a lot of unknowns. For some, life after cancer can look exactly as it did before cancer. For others, major life changes can impact their lifestyle and the people closest to them.

Even after your cancer treatment is complete, OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute and its network of cancer centers are here for you, caring for every aspect of your health and well-being.

Common Needs After Cancer Treatment

You might continue to need support long after your cancer treatment is over. Common types of support you may need include:
  • Nutrition and exercise guidance
  • Building back strength to regain lost physical abilities
  • Strategies for a healthier lifestyle post-treatment
  • Techniques to combat fatigue
  • Management of chronic side effects
  • Support to cope with the emotional toll of cancer
  • Support groups to share experiences and find connection

Benefits of Cancer Survivorship Programs

A cancer diagnosis is life changing. During your cancer treatment, your life often revolves around your health. But once treatment ends, the side effects and emotional stress don’t always go away.

Surviving cancer can provide a great reason to make positive lifestyle changes, including:

  • Developing health habits that increase your strength
  • Implementing a well-balanced routine that lowers your risk of cancer in the future
  • Prioritizing emotional and mental health to reduce the stress of the post-cancer phase

Our survivorship resources can help with these lifestyle changes so you can focus on your transition to life after cancer.

Comprehensive Survivorship Services

Our survivorship services are focused on helping cancer survivors maintain and improve their health.

We offer:

  • Nutrition counseling: Personalized diet plans to boost recovery and reduce health risks
  • Exercise programs: Fitness guidance to regain strength and energy
  • Rehabilitation: Physical therapy to restore function lost during treatment
  • Emotional and mental health support: Counseling and support groups to process the emotional impact of cancer
  • Preventive health: Lifestyle changes and monitoring to reduce the risk of cancer coming back
  • Financial services: Navigators to help with payment options after treatment
  • Educational classes: Resources to help adjust to life after cancer

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OSF START Program: Survive, Thrive, and Recover Together

The OSF START program is located at the OSF Cancer Institute in Peoria. In addition to the benefits above, it helps cancer survivors make sustainable lifestyle choices and set realistic goals for long-term health and recovery.

Get Started

If you’re interested in survivorship support and services, please contact your cancer care team.

Cost

Joining the OSF START program is free, however, the cost of services may vary. Talk to your oncology care team for more details.

Locations

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OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute

1310 North Missouri Avenue
Peoria, IL 61603

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Fox River Cancer Center at OSF Saint Elizabeth

1200 Starfire Drive
Ottawa, IL 61350

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OSF HealthCare Daniel J. Kobasic Cancer Clinic

3501 Ludington Street
Escanaba, MI 49829

OSF Cancer Center (Bloomington)

OSF Cancer Center

210 Saint Joseph Drive
Bloomington, IL 61701

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OSF Little Company of Mary - Comprehensive Cancer Center

2800 West 95th Street
Evergreen Park, IL 60805

OSF Moeller Cancer Center (Alton)

OSF Moeller Cancer Center

2200 Central Avenue
Alton, IL 62002

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OSF St. Mary Cancer Center - Radiation Oncology

3375 North Seminary Street
Galesburg, IL 61401

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center (Rockford)

OSF Saint Anthony - Center for Cancer Care

5666 East State Street
Rockford, IL 61108

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