{"id":521,"date":"2019-05-31T23:43:31","date_gmt":"2019-05-31T23:43:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/breast\/?page_id=521"},"modified":"2026-09-24T22:20:57","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T22:20:57","slug":"wellness","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/breast\/breast-cancer\/treatment\/wellness\/","title":{"rendered":"Breast Cancer Wellness Programs"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":null,"protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"parent":401,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-521","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"layers":[{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_content_sidebar","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_content":"

We Are Here to Support You<\/h2>\n

Breast cancer care involves more than treating the cancer itself. Diagnosis, surgery, radiation therapy, medical treatment and recovery can affect physical strength, nutrition, sleep, emotional well-being, relationships, concentration and everyday life. Supportive care can help patients manage these changes throughout treatment and beyond.<\/p>\n

At the Margie Petersen Breast Center, wellness and supportive services are integrated with medical care so patients and families can receive help with the physical, emotional and practical effects of breast cancer when those needs arise.<\/p>\n

Supportive Care Throughout Breast Cancer Treatment<\/h2>\n

Supportive care may begin at diagnosis and continue through active treatment, recovery and survivorship. The services that are most helpful can change over time depending on treatment, symptoms, personal circumstances and individual goals.<\/p>\n

Patients may benefit from nutrition counseling, rehabilitation, emotional support, stress-management programs, social work, spiritual care, symptom management and other services that support quality of life.<\/p>\n

Nutrition Support<\/h2>\n
\"Nutritional
Nutritional support – Saint John’s Health Center<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nutrition needs can change during breast cancer treatment. Surgery, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy and other treatments may affect appetite, weight, digestion, energy or food preferences, while some patients simply want reliable guidance about eating well during recovery and survivorship.<\/p>\n

\n

Individualized Nutrition Guidance<\/h3>\n

Registered dietitians can help patients develop nutrition goals based on their treatment, health needs, symptoms and personal preferences. Counseling may address maintaining adequate nutrition during treatment, managing treatment-related symptoms and developing sustainable eating habits that support long-term health.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Physical Rehabilitation & Exercise<\/h2>\n

Breast surgery, reconstruction, radiation therapy and systemic treatments can temporarily affect strength, endurance, shoulder mobility and physical function. Fatigue, tightness, discomfort or changes in range of motion can also occur during recovery.<\/p>\n

Exercise guidance, rehabilitation and physical therapy may help patients restore mobility and strength, safely return to daily activities and address treatment-related limitations. Recommendations are individualized according to the type of treatment and stage of recovery.<\/p>\n

Mindfulness, Stress Reduction & Willow Sage Sanctuary<\/h2>\n
\"Margie-Petersen
Mindfulness, Stress Reduction & Willow Sage Sanctuary.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Stress, uncertainty and emotional fatigue are common during cancer care. Mindfulness, guided relaxation, breathing exercises and other stress-reduction approaches can provide practical ways to manage anxiety and create moments of calm during treatment and recovery.<\/p>\n

\n

Willow Sage Sanctuary<\/h3>\n

Willow Sage Sanctuary provides a dedicated space within the Breast Center for respite, reflection and wellness activities. Programs may include mindfulness, meditation, stress reduction, nutrition education and other supportive approaches designed to complement medical care.<\/p>\n

The Breast Wellness Program and Willow Sage Sanctuary were developed with philanthropic support from Alecia Moore, known professionally as P!NK, whose support of the Breast Center began in 2012. Willow Sage Sanctuary was named in honor of her daughter.<\/p>\n

HeartMath\u00ae<\/sup> and Other Stress-Management Tools<\/h3>\n

HeartMath is one of several tools that may be used to help patients recognize and manage physiologic responses to stress. Depending on availability and individual needs, patients may also be introduced to guided imagery, structured breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and other techniques that can be practiced outside the clinical setting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Counseling & Psycho-Oncology<\/h2>\n

A breast cancer diagnosis, treatment or increased cancer risk can affect emotional health, relationships, body image, work and family life. Counseling and psycho-oncology services can help patients and families address these changes while they are occurring.<\/p>\n

\n

Emotional and Psychological Support<\/h3>\n
\"Psycho-oncology
Patients of Saint John’s Health Center have access to many supportive services including psycho-oncology and other wellness resources.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Support may address concerns such as:<\/p>\n