Brown Cancer Resource Center

The Brown Cancer Resource Center was created to provide a peaceful environment for cancer patients to learn, relax and heal emotionally. In fact, the natural lighting and colors were chosen by patients to promote a w

For patients and their loved ones, a cancer diagnosis means having to understand a lot of information about disease types, treatments and side effects. Complicated medical terms can be confusing and terrifying when you’re facing a serious disease.

From coffee to counseling, the goal of the Brown Cancer Resource Center is to help connect patients and family members with the services you’ll need to achieve the best possible experience.

In keeping with our mission of education, the Brown Cancer Resource Center collaborates with clinical staff to provide cancer patients and caregivers with accurate, reliable information to help them make intelligent decisions about cancer care. The services of the resource center are an extension of the James Graham Brown Cancer Center’s multidisciplinary approach to cancer care.

Educational materials, videos and Internet access to cancer-related websites are offered to patients, while our staff provides information patients need to cope with their condition and its treatment. Patients are connected with support groups and other free services that can help in the healing process such as:

• Art Therapy -Individual art therapy is available for cancer survivors and caregivers to cope with depression, anxiety and stress by using the power of artistic expression.  Artistic ability is not a requirement for this program.
• Chemotherapy Education Classes – Chemotherapy classes help to educate and empower cancer patients and their caregivers, as well as impart information about management and treatment of side effects and symptoms related to chemotherapy.
• Disease Specific Support Groups -Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer and Head and Neck cancer support groups are offered:
• Breast Cancer Support Group – Led by cancer care professionals, this support group for women diagnosed with breast cancer focuses on sharing experiences, coping strategies, and receiving support and education. It is supported in part by the Louisville affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
• Lung Cancer Support Group – This group offers an opportunity for men and women to share information and experiences with others diagnosed with lung cancer.
• Head and Neck Support Group – In this support group, men and women diagnosed with head and neck cancer can gather to network with other survivors and healthcare professionals.
• Image Lab - Inside the Resource Center, you will find the region’s only image lab, featuring hundreds of wigs, scarves, hats, cosmetics and skincare products, as well as assistance with prosthetics and make-up.
• Cosmetic Demonstrations Program - Look Good Feel Better is a program offered in partnership with the American Cancer Society. It provides a fun and supportive environment for women cancer patients to learn how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetics and skin care products.
•  Nutrition Classes - Nutrition classes are offered for both patients actively on treatment and off treatment. Eating Well Through Cancer for current patients offers the chance to get information on how to manage appetite, taste changes and weight loss. For patients post-treatment Fighting Cancer With Nutrition featured a licensed dietician who provides tips on maintaining a healthy diet and general wellness.
• Massage Therapy - Massages often help to relax patients undergoing cancer treatment. This program is also open to caregivers.
• Reiki - Reiki therapy is a natural energy practice which promotes stress reduction and restores balance on physical, emotional and mental levels.

Most classes or services require pre-registration, so please call the resource center at 502-562-7092. View event registration

Additional Resources

For some patients, the psychological effects of cancer can be overwhelming. Through our Behavorial Oncology program, Brown Cancer Center has specially trained counselors on staff including a psychologist, psychiatrist and social workers who can help patients deal with the psychosocial issues such as stress, anxiety and depression that can accompany a diagnosis of cancer and its treatment.

In addition, the Kentucky Cancer Program (KCP) offers public and patient education programs that are designed to meet the needs of many different audiences, with a wide variety of print materials, videos, online databases and special events, including cancer screenings. KCP also connects patients and their families with family and group counseling support groups.

In 2007, Gilda’s Club Louisville opened its signature red doors with the full support of the James Graham Brown Cancer Center. Gilda’s Club is a free community where children and adults with cancer and their families and friends join with others to build social and emotional support as a supplement to medical care.