As you navigate cancer, you might not know what to expect or what questions to ask. Rest assured, that’s normal—and we are here to guide and help you.
Navigating a cancer diagnosis:
- Newly diagnosed
- In treatment
- Managing advanced & chronic disease
- Done with treatment
- At end of life
- Seeking help for specific cancers
- After a loss
- Child or teen with cancer
- Young adult with cancer
- As a family member or friend
- Spanish speaking
How We Can Help
Educate & Support You.
A cancer diagnosis can bring many changes to your life. As you navigate treatment and side effects and manage emotions, our trained and experienced oncology nurse navigators, oncology therapists, oncology dieticians, art therapists, fitness/exercise specialists, acupuncturists*, massage therapists* and energy healing therapists/providers can assist. All of our services are free, except for oncology psychiatry*.
*Psychiatry, massage and acupuncture are currently open to patients in active treatment with Inova. Our psychiatrist can see Inova patients who reside in Virginia, Washington D.C., Maryland and West Virginia in-person at our LWC Family Center or Inova patients who reside in Virginia via telehealth.
Reduced cost massages are available for all other patients and caregivers - learn more.
Empower & Connect You.
Explore our in-person and virtual/online programs and classes on disease, treatment, nutrition, stress management, and healthy living, all at no-cost to you and no matter where treatment is received. We offer events, services and support at our main Family Center location in Fairfax, Inova Schar Cancer in Fairfax/Falls Church, and in-patient at Inova hospitals - Alexandria, Fairfax, Fair Oaks, and Loudoun.
Other Resources
Research and Care
- National Cancer Institute (NCI): The federal government's principal agency for cancer research and training, NCI supports a national network of cancer centers. It shares information on cancer detection, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, control, palliative care, and survivorship and is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN): A not-for-profit alliance of 26 of the world's leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education. World-renowned experts from NCCN Member Institutions diagnose and treat patients with a broad spectrum of cancers and are recognized for dealing with complex, aggressive, or rare cancers. NCCN programs offer access to expert physicians, superior treatment, and quality and safety initiatives that continuously improve cancer care.
Work
- Cancer and Careers: Empowers and educates people with cancer to thrive in their workplace, by providing expert advice, interactive tools, and educational events.
- Triage Cancer: A national, nonprofit organization that provides free education on the legal and practical issues that may impact individuals diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers, through events, materials, and resources.
Veterans Support
- VA Presumptive Disability Benefits
- VA Agent Orange Exposure & VA Disability Compensation
- VA: Create an Account
Insurance Issues
- Patient Advocate Foundation: Provides assistance with insurance problems and works to resolve coverage and benefit issues.
- Triage Cancer: A national, nonprofit organization that provides free education on the legal and practical issues that may impact individuals diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers, through events, materials, and resources.
Fertility and Sexual Health
- LIVESTRONG Fertility: Shares information on men's and women's sexual health, fertility risks, options, and discounts on fertility services and medications.
Drugs
- Speak with a Life with Cancer nurse navigator.
- Chemocare.com: Describes every aspect of chemotherapy, including chemotherapy drugs and managing side effects. You can call an Answer Line or peer mentor and talk to someone who understands.
For questions or concerns around topics such as food security, transportation or finances, speak with a social work case manager wherever you are receiving treatment or reach out to the American Cancer Society.
“You have touched the lives of so many of us diagnosed with cancer, with the compelling story you’ve shared about your journey with cancer as a young woman, and the solid recommendations and support you’ve provided to each of us in the group. Thank you for all you do for us.”
—Patient
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