Early Onset Cancer Program Resources
You can never have too much support, so we have curated a few resources available at Yale Cancer Center, Smilow Cancer Hospital, and beyond.
On this page
Resources and Support @ Yale
Our partners across Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital offer great resources and support that may be helpful to anyone diagnosed with or caring for someone with early onset cancer. Many of these services are offered for free, but some have associated costs or can be billed to your insurance. You can find out more information about these services by contacting each department. For patients enrolled in CONNECT, our Early Onset Cancer Specialist can help you find resources that interest you and apply for support when needed.
You can browse the resources below to learn more.
Coping & Emotional Support
- Smilow Support GroupsOffers a variety of cancer-specific support groups—covering topics like breast, brain, gastrointestinal, pediatric hematology, and more—to connect patients for emotional and educational support through shared experiences.
- Psycho-oncology SupportProvides individual, couples, and family psychotherapy to help with emotional challenges related to cancer—such as anxiety, depression, fear of recurrence, stress, cognitive changes (“chemobrain”), physical symptoms, and transitioning after treatment.
- Smilow Spiritual SupportOffers multi-faith chaplaincy services—through a chapel, chaplains, priests, rabbis, and pastoral care staff—to support the spiritual, emotional, and existential needs of patients, families, and staff.
- Healing GardensAn outdoor rooftop garden on the seventh floor designed with trees, shrubs, a small stream, and benches—providing a tranquil, nature-based setting that helps reduce stress and promote mental well‑being year‑round.
- Animal Companion ProgramCertified therapy dogs visit patients to provide comfort, reduce stress, and offer a welcome break during treatment.
Wellness, Exercise, & Nutrition
- Integrative Medicine ProgramOffers evidence-based complementary therapies—like acupuncture, massage, meditation, nutrition guidance, and supplement safety—integrated with cancer care to support physical and emotional healing before, during, and after treatment.
- MassageLicensed therapists provide oncology massage tailored to ease treatment side effects, reduce pain, and improve mood and relaxation.
- Reiki ServicesReiki is a gentle, hands-on therapy that aims to activate the body’s natural healing response. Many patients find it deeply relaxing and helpful for stress reduction.
- Guided Massage/Reiki VideosAccessible yoga classes—seated, gentle, or restorative—using movement, breathwork, and relaxation to support healing and reduce stress.
- Guided Acupressure VideosLearn simple self-acupressure techniques to ease anxiety, stress, fatigue, and nausea, along with basic self-massage tips for relaxation and symptom relief.
- MeditationGuided practices—like 61 Points, calming breathwork, and mindful meditation—help focus the mind, reduce stress, and promote deep relaxation.
- Exercise & Movement (Live)ive online classes—like gentle yoga, restorative yoga, T’ai Chi/Qigong, and chair-based exercise—to support movement, mindfulness, and wellness during cancer care.
- Yoga VideosGentle yoga group classes incorporating breathwork, physical postures, and relaxation tailored to individual patient needs.
- Virtual Wellness WorkshopsInteractive workshops exploring nutrition, resilience, and the gut-brain connection—featuring cooking demos, stress coping strategies, and insights into how food and the microbiome impact well-being.
- Exercise Class VideosChair-supported movement classes focused on posture, joint alignment, and gentle strength-building—suitable for all levels, including those with balance or mobility challenges.
- T’ai Chi and Qigong VideosGentle movement and breath-based practices—seated or standing—designed to improve strength, balance, flexibility, and alignment while supporting overall well-being.
- Recipes from Yale MedicineCancer-focused recipes (e.g., smoothies, soups, entrees, desserts, sides) to help manage symptoms like fatigue, nausea, or weight loss.
- Recipes from Yale New Haven Health SystemFree, hands-on cooking classes for patients, including nutrition information, skills demonstrations, and time to prepare and share simple, health-promoting meals.
- Teaching KitchenYale New Haven Health’s state-of-the-art Irving and Alice Brown Teaching Kitchen provides participants the unique opportunity to take culinary medicine classes, in-person or online via live streaming.
Body Changes, Side Effects & Pain Management
- Smilow’s Cingari Retail BoutiqueA hospital boutique offering gift items and amenities for patients and visitors to provide convenience and comfort during hospital visits.
- Smilow Beyond Beauty ProgramFree workshops help patients manage changes to skin, hair, and nails during treatment, with support from trained staff and survivors.
- PAXMAN Scalp Cooling System (Cold Cap Treatment to reduce chemotherapy-related hair loss)Provides a scalp cooling system during chemotherapy—first in the U.S.—designed to reduce hair loss, offering patients greater control and confidence during treatment.
- Cancer Pain Management ProgramProvides personalized pain management—including medications, nerve blocks, spinal pumps, complementary therapies—via a multidisciplinary team for complex cancer-related pain.
Intimacy, Sexual Health, & Fertility
- Fertility PreservationCancer and treatment can both have a substantial impact on your ability to have children. Learn more about your options for preserving your fertility, such as embryo, egg, and sperm freezing.
- Sexual Health, Intimacy, and Menopause ClinicCancer can also contribute to challenges with your sexual health and intimacy. And some cancer treatments can lead to early menopause in women. Learn more about the SIMs clinic for women.
Informational & Practical Support
- Smilow Advanced Care Planning and End-of-Life DecisionsInformation about advance planning through living wills and healthcare directives, helping individuals clearly document their wishes and ease decisions for families and providers.
- Smilow Financial Resources and Support Offers financial aid and support services for billing and insurance to help patients access affordable care at Yale New Haven Hospital.
- Smilow Language and Interpretation ServicesProvides language services—including interpreter and translation support—to help ensure clear communication between patients, families, and healthcare teams.
Specialty Programs @ Yale
- Familial Cancers and Genetic TestingOffers genetic counseling, testing coordination, cancer risk assessment, and personalized prevention strategies via a multidisciplinary team—including geneticists, counselors, and coordinators.
- Adult Survivorship ProgramDelivers personalized survivorship plans and summary care, focusing on wellness, prevention, supportive services, and empowering survivors through a multidisciplinary approach.
- Palliative Care ProgramProvides symptom relief (e.g., pain, fatigue, nausea), psychosocial and spiritual support, and family-centered care tailored to patients with serious or terminal illnesses at any illness stage.
- Tobacco Treatment ProgramHelps patients quit tobacco using tailored counseling and FDA‑approved medications, improving treatment outcomes and long‑term health through a multidimensional support team.
National Cancer Information & Resources
If early onset cancer has impacted your life or the life of someone you care for, you have probably searched for information, support, and resources. The search process can be overwhelming, so we have collected a few trusted organizations below that offer a variety of resources and information depending on your specific needs. You can reach out to the Early Onset CONNECT team for more personalized resources and information that go beyond this list. For patients enrolled in CONNECT, our Early Onset Cancer Specialist can also help you find specific resources that interest you and apply for support when needed.
Emotional & Social Support
- CancerCareEmotional, physical, and financial support for individuals impacted by cancer and their supporters.
- Cancer Support CommunityInformation, support, and resources for individuals impacted by cancer and their supporters.
- Imerman’s AngelsOne-to-One peer support for individuals diagnosed with cancer
- Stupid CancerInformation and support for young adults with cancer
- B present foundationInformation and resources for supporters of young adults with cancer
- Bright Spot NetworkInformation and support for parenting during cancer.
Cancer Information & Education
- American Cancer SocietyInformation, support, and resources for individuals impacted by cancer and their supporters.
- Triage CancerInformation and support for navigating the practical aspects of a cancer diagnosis, including financial and legal resources.
- LivestrongSupport for individuals impacted by cancer and their supporters.
- Livestrong FertilityThe Livestrong Fertility Discount Program works with Smilow Cancer Center to offer at least a 25% service discount for qualifying patients. In addition, Livestrong Fertility pharmaceutical partners provide free stimulation medication to approved patients
- Ulman FoundationInformation, support, and resources for young adults impacted by cancer and their supporters.
- Susan G. Komen FoundationInformation, support, and resources for individuals impacted by breast cancer and their supporters.
- Colorectal Cancer AllianceInformation, support, and resources for individuals impacted by colorectal cancer and their supporters
- National Cancer InstituteInformation and resources for individuals impacted by cancer
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative HealthInformation and resources for integrative and complementary supportive care during cancer.
- National Coalition for Cancer SurvivorsInformation and resources for individuals who have entered cancer survivorship.
Early Onset Cancer Program Information Library
You can explore our early onset cancer information library below to find infographics, short videos, webinars, podcasts, and more!