Conemaugh Cancer Center Launches Cancer Survivorship Initiative

Beginning this month, the Conemaugh Cancer Center will launch a new Cancer Survivorship Initiative to meet the ongoing needs of cancer survivors in the region. The program will be spearheaded by Jamie Mack, LCSW, an Oncology Social Worker, who will develop programming to support the wellbeing of cancer patients through all stages of survivorship.

Mack joins the Conemaugh Cancer Center after serving for 17 years as a clinical psychotherapist at the Community Guidance Center, a community mental health center in Indiana, Pa. As a certified clinical trauma professional, Mack will help patients develop tools to manage difficult emotions in their journey through survivorship. An Indiana County native, Mack earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and her master’s degree in Clinical Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh.

“Patients’ lives are forever changed by cancer, even after treatment is completed,” said Mack. “Our program will focus on treating the patient as a survivor from the moment of diagnosis by providing workshops and programming throughout the treatment process, and well into the patient’s life after traditional cancer care.” The initiative’s programming will begin on April 26 with the first workshop for patients, survivors, and caregivers. Say Yes to Yoga! will offer a gentle, mindful yoga session to help combat fatigue, improve strength and range of motion, reduce stress, and improve sleep. The free session will be conducted in partnership with Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center and taught by Rachel Allen, a registered yoga teacher with more than 20 years of experience in trauma-sensitive yoga. The workshop begins at 1 p.m. and will take place at the Conemaugh Cancer Center. All participants must be vaccinated and will be required to wear masks and observe social distancing. Registration is available by contacting Jamie Mack at 814.534.1245.

Conemaugh Cancer Center provides life-saving care to cancer patients. Led by Ibrahim Sbeitan, MD and Sheetal Higbee, MD, the Medical Oncology team offers advanced treatment in cancer care including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and oral chemotherapy. The center’s Radiation Oncology team, led by Ali Tunio, MD, uses the latest in radiotherapy technology, including a linear accelerator that can deliver very precise, customized radiation treatments in a short period of time. The innovative technology relies on 4D guided imaging to adjust to a patient’s breathing patterns and motion.