Lung Cancer Mind-Body Medicine, Counseling & Support Groups

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Mind-Body Medicine

Our mind-body therapists are available to listen and help you cope with the challenges of lung cancer. Learn how we support you in mind, body and spirit during your care with us.

Mind-Body Medicine for Lung Cancer

The mind-body medicine program at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) supports you and your family before, during and after your lung cancer treatment.

Many lung cancer patients experience a unique set of concerns. Some are shared by loved ones, who are also facing challenges related to cancer.

Some common feelings of lung cancer patients include:

A sense of fear and panic associated with not being able to breathe, now or at some point in the future.
Difficulty quitting smoking or not have a desire to quit. Friends and family often put a great deal of pressure on their loved one to quit smoking after a lung cancer diagnosis, whether the patient is ready to or not.
A feeling of guilt and self-blame because of smoking, either now or in the past.
A feeling of “why me?” for patients who have never smoked or been exposed to a large amount of secondhand smoke. Most cancer patients try to find a cause for their cancer diagnosis. There may be anger, frustration or anxiety associated with this search for answers.

The mind-body medicine team provides tools and techniques to help make coping with lung cancer, as well as the emotional issues that may arise during your cancer fight, easier.

Lung Cancer Counseling & Support Groups

Our mind-body therapists understand the powerful connection that exists between the mind, body and spirit; between stress and illness; and between health and hope. We work with you to provide practices that promote health, wholeness and quality of life.

All of our lung cancer support groups and programs are available to patients, caregivers and their families:

Individual, Couples and Family Counseling. A mind-body therapist schedules at least one visit with every in-patient to introduce the options available in this department. It’s your decision if you would like to continue meeting with a therapist.
Guided Imagery. A relaxation technique that teaches patients to use positive mental images to manage stress and physical discomfort. Guided imagery can be used to help lung cancer patients cope with their pain, nausea and anxiety, and also to support the immune system.
Deep Breathing Exercises. Mind-body therapists work with lung cancer patients on an individual basis to teach deep breathing as a relaxation and stress management technique.
Laughter Therapy. These sessions provide a safe place where patients can laugh. Research has shown that laughing can reduce stress, improve pain, balance blood pressure and make coping with lung cancer easier.
Reiki. A gentle, hands-on practice that uses specific techniques to help restore and balance the body’s energy, strengthen its ability to heal, reduce stress and increase peace of mind.
Qigong. This ancient Chinese healing art uses a series of soft, flowing movements to focus the mind and body. Qigong is taught to help reduce stress, build stamina and enhance the immune system. The gentle movements also increase lymph circulation, which is important for cancer patients.
Smoking Cessation Support. Mind-body support is available to help lung cancer patients quit smoking through individual counseling, acupuncture, deep breathing and guided imagery. Patients are also encouraged to call the mind-body team when they are in need of support or experiencing nicotine cravings.

At CTCA, our mind-body team works closely with your entire lung cancer treatment team and are here to support you in making ongoing care decisions. In addition, they can connect you with qualified practitioners and lung cancer support groups in your area once you return home.

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