Providence Cancer Institute Launches Survivorship Program for Breast Cancer Patients

Providence Cancer Institute in Portland, Oregon, has introduced a new program dedicated to supporting breast cancer patients through the entirety of their care journey. The initiative, named the Providence Survivorship Program, is designed to assist individuals beyond the stages of surgery and active medical treatment.

Dr. Poorni Manohar, an oncologist, is developing the program. She was recruited specifically for this role after working with similar initiatives in other parts of the country. The goal is to connect patients with holistic support starting from the first day of diagnosis to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Manohar stated that the program addresses multiple components of a patient’s health. These include psychological health, mental well-being, sexual health, bone health, heart health, physical health, and overall functioning. She explained that the objective is to help patients build a good, functional quality of life after surviving the cancer treatment portion.

One of the specific services offered within the program is a sound bath. This meditative experience is intended to guide patients away from fear and worry and into a less stressful state. Michelle Ferretti, an oncology social worker, described the session as creating a soothing environment that helps the body feel grounded and settled.

Ferretti noted that patients may hear a variety of sounds during the session, ranging from larger, bolder tones to soft, twinkling noises. She described the experience as moving the body through a landscape of sound that supports relaxation and physical ease.

Ferretti expressed that the program aims to help patients feel empowered and less alone. She emphasized that cancer care is a full human experience, not just a medical one, requiring attention to all parts of the patient as they integrate their cancer experience into their lives.

Manohar hopes to eventually expand the program to serve all cancer patients and to other Providence locations. The current focus remains on breast cancer patients, but the structure is designed to be adaptable for broader application across the health system.