Physical Well-Being Support

Blue headers represent services made possible through the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program.
Exercise Consultations The Supportive Care and Survivorship Center offers free personalized physical activity consultations by exercise physiologist and certified trainers. They’ll give you the tools and information you need to self-manage your physical fitness, and you can go to follow-up classes or training at the Health and Fitness Center. To schedule an appointment, call 919.660.6741 or email dhfccancerexercise@dm.duke.edu.
Mind-Body Approaches for Coping with Cancer
Mindfulness can be a powerful tool to manage the stress that can accompany living with and life after cancer. These no-cost virtual sessions teach mind and body approaches to coping with cancer. Through the focus on the breath and the present moment, patients and their caregivers will learn to discover the ability to respond, rather than react to life’s stressors. Sessions take place on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 12:45-1:30 p.m. For more information, email Tracy.Berger@duke.edu or call 919.681.6835
Nutrition Our registered dietitian/ nutritionists specialize in working with people with cancer. We help you prevent malnutrition, restore your digestive health, minimize the side effects related to your cancer treatment and work with you in survivorship. For more information, call 919.613.6379.
Palliative Care Duke palliative care experts help you experience relief from the pain, symptoms and stress of serious illness. No matter your age or stage of your illness, we work closely with you and your doctors to help you navigate your healthcare and understand your treatment options. Our goals are to help you gain physical, emotional and psychological strength, and ensure you and your family experience the best possible quality of life. To schedule an appointment, call 919.551.3542.
Physical and Occupational Therapy Our physical and occupational therapy services help you make sure physical changes don’t get in the way of living daily life. Our experts can assess and treat a broad range of issues. They also offer a lymphedema management program and falls risk assessments. To schedule an appointment, call 919.684.2445.
Physical Rehabilitation Duke Health and Fitness Center has a specialized program designed to help people during and after cancer treatment. Our focus on fitness, stress management and nutrition provides the tools and support needed to maintain your strength, stamina and positive outlook. Lifestyle counselors, exercise physiologists and lymphedema specialists are trained in cancer treatment and recovery. To schedule an appointment, call 919.660.6660.
Quit At Duke Quitting smoking and other tobacco products can be so much easier when you get the support you need. At Duke we provide expert guidance, a range of treatment options and follow-up care. For more information, call 919.613.QUIT.
Recreation Therapy Duke recreation therapists help hospitalized patients enjoy and employ their own creativity and personal drive in their fight against cancer. Recreation therapy treatment interventions help maintaining and/or improving functioning and well-being in the physical, social, emotional and cognitive domains. For more information, call 919.681.2928 or email cancersupport@duke.edu.
Self-Image Support Services Self-image services address physical changes resulting from cancer treatment. View complete list of services.
Sexual Health Our sexual health services address important quality of life issues related to cancer's impact on sexual health. Research shows changes in sexual satisfaction are common after treatment. Cancer patients and survivors are eligible to participate. For more information, call 919.684.4497.
Speech and Hearing Rehabilitation If you’ve found that your cancer treatments have affected your hearing, memory, attention span, problem-solving skills, language or ability to swallow, then help is available. Our team is here to work with you on practical therapy plans that will ensure you have the best quality of life possible. To make an appointment, call 919.684.3859.
Survivorship Clinical Services Survivorship Clinical Services feature a team of physicians and advanced practice providers who specialize in cancer survivorship. They focus on the late and long term effects caused by cancer treatments. This includes monitoring for cancer return as well as other cancers that you might develop. They work with you, your oncologists, and primary care teams to form the best plan to help you live a fuller life after treatment. To make a referral, please call 919.668.2122.
Tai Chi Classes Join Dr. Jay Dunbar, founder and director of The Magic Tortoise Taijiquan School, in a virtual Tai Chi class for cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones. This class will provide an understated, tranquil, meditative Wu Hao Style of Taijiquan (Tai Chi) with small steps and simple movements, matched with breathing, to increase flexibility, coordination, awareness, and vitality. Classes take place on Zoom on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month at 2:30 p.m. Click to register. For more information, email cancersupport@duke.edu or call 919.684.4497.
Yoga for Cancer Classes Join certified Yoga for Cancer instructor Laura Woodall in a class designed specifically for cancer patients and survivors. This class combines components of flexibility, movement, strength, balance and breathing to avoid lymphatic fluid accumulation, aid in managing side effects and improve overall mental and physical wellbeing. Classes take place on Zoom on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at noon. Click to register. For more information, email cancersupport@duke.edu or call 919.684.4497.
Explore the Power of Your Voice for Healing During these sessions, you will explore breathing techniques, vocal toning and chanting. These tools and techniques, when used daily, will help you to pay mindful attention to your heart and voice while experiencing the health benefits of sound, vibration and self-expression. Classes take place on Zoom on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month at noon. Click to register. For more information, email cancersupport@duke.edu or call 919.684.4497.
Volunteer
More than 175 volunteers serve at Duke Cancer Center. Our volunteers provide conversation and comfort, offer refreshments and help patients find locations and resources. Volunteers play a critical role in the day-to-day activities at the Duke Cancer Center. For more information on becoming a volunteer, contact Matt Pennachi.