Cancer Special Services and Support

Art therapy is available to support emotional healing and self-expression through creativity at many care centers. Led by credentialed professionals trained in both mental health and the arts, these sessions offer a safe, welcoming space to explore feelings, manage stress and connect with your inner resilience. Artmaking can be a powerful way to process life’s challenges and support your overall well-being. Talk with your care team to learn what’s available in your area.

In Sacramento, art therapy groups are available for both adults and children affected by cancer. Healing Images is a free support group for adults with cancer that uses visual arts to help navigate the emotional and psychological impact of illness. The group meets virtually on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month from 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm. The Children’s Art Therapy Support Group (CATS) provides a creative outlet for children and teens (ages 4–18) who have a cancer diagnosis or a family member with cancer. This free program meets on alternating Tuesdays from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm at Sutter Cancer Center, 2800 L Street in Sacramento.

For more information or to register, please call 916-547-9485. 

Nutrition is an important part of your cancer care plan. A healthy diet can help manage the effects of cancer and your treatment. Our goals are to improve your overall nutrition, promote healthy eating habits and enhance your well-being and quality of life.

Your care team includes oncology dietitians, who provide expert nutrition advice and work closely with your oncologist to support you throughout treatment. Dietitians work with patients and their families to:

• Screen and assess for nutrition risk
• Instruct on how to minimize and cope with treatment side effects that might lead to weight loss, dehydration and an overall decrease in energy
• Design individualized dietary guidelines to meet your nutritional goals
• Offer strategies for family or caretakers to help patients maximize nutrition intake and quality of life
• Provide information regarding nutritional and dietary supplements

Please contact a member of your care team to schedule a consultation with a dietitian.

Cancer challenges not only the body, but also the mind and spirit. Our professionally trained social workers specialize in applying clinical, advocacy and community-based skills to help people living with cancer and their families. They’re here to offer emotional support, connect you to community resources and support groups, coordinate referrals, assist in crises and provide counseling on Advance Health Care Directives. Talk with your care team to learn more about our clinical and medical social work services.

We encourage you to explore our different types of therapies — art, gardening, music, photography, writing, yoga and cycling — designed to enhance your overall well-being. You’ll also benefit from the camaraderie of others on the same path.

Your cancer patient navigator can work with you to design a road map that keeps track of any follow-up treatment, next steps and important information needed to coordinate care among your care teams. You’ll also receive assistance for all aspects of your self-care, including nutritional counseling with registered dietitians, psychosocial support with oncology social workers and complementary therapy programs to restore body and soul.

At many Sutter sites, you have access to music therapy services provided by credentialed music therapists. Music therapy is proven to improve physical, cognitive, psychological, emotional and social functioning. Music therapists use various techniques and activities, such as listening to music, composing songs and playing instruments, to help enhance your quality of life. Talk with your doctor to learn more about this offering.

Some cancer treatments can lead to hair loss, which can have a significant impact on a person’s overall well-being. Wigs can help cancer patients feel and look their best while undergoing treatment.

We collaborate with the American Cancer Society to provide a free selection of wigs through our Wig Program. And because we’re committed to supporting the whole community, our Wig Bank provides these services to all cancer patients regardless of where they receive their care. Talk with your care team for more information about our complementary Wig Program.