POTSDAM – Acupuncture, massage and social work support, as well as more traditional therapies, are being offered at Canton-Potsdam Hospital’s Center for Cancer Care.

“Since we first offered these services when the consolidated Center for Cancer Care opened its doors on our Potsdam main campus in 2011, we’ve seen amazing growth in the demand for complementary and supportive care,” said Frank Torti, Center Director.

Acupuncture is offered in the Center three half days per month on the first Tuesday and Thursday, and second Thursday of the month. Services are provided by Shelby Connelly, LAc, MAc, licensed acupuncturist practicing with Five Elements Living in Colton, NY, who sees patients to determine the appropriate placement of acupuncture needles.

“Patients and families benefit when they know we have the whole package that people have come to expect in urban areas: the latest treatment equipment, expert clinicians, and additional services that make the treatment process more comfortable,” he said.

Massage services are provided by Ramsey Thomann, a licensed massage therapist, who practices with patients who request it while receiving chemotherapy. Massage therapy has been shown to improve circulation, reduce stress, and lessen fatigue, according to the American Cancer Society. Ms. Thomann provides massage therapy two half-days per month on the 2nd Tuesday and 4th Thursday of the month.

The Center also provides resources such as the services of a certified patient navigator and nutritionist, as well as a licensed social worker.

“Social work services aren’t necessarily something patients think about, but they can be tremendously helpful to the patient’s whole family,” said Torti. “Cancer impacts a family’s schedule, finances, and future plans; while these don’t necessarily have to be radically adjusted, it’s helpful for people to learn about their options and how to cope with the unexpected,” said Torti.

“Erin Knack, LMSW, our social worker, is very resourceful when it comes to connecting people to available options, whether these might be programs that help with the cost of drugs, or help with talking to one’s family about taking on more of the household chores during treatment,” he said.

Torti noted that most major cancer centers now offer supportive services and that complementary and integrative medicine are becoming more accepted as more research is completed on their effectiveness.

“These supportive services are known as complementary or integrative because they are not stand-alone treatments; they complement established medical scientific diagnostic and treatment procedures. Some of these established procedures come with side-effects or discomfort that supportive services can alleviate. It’s just one more way we try to make the patient experience the best it can be,” said Torti.

For more information about supportive services at the Center for Cancer Care, interested individuals should contact their oncologist, primary care practitioner, or Mr. Torti at 261-5890.