Coping with Cancer - Physical Concerns

Cancer Pain Center 617-726-8810
Helps in the management of all types of cancer pain. As part of the MGH Pain Center, this service helps you manage all types of cancer pain. A weekly acupuncture clinic is also offered. If you would like a referral to the Center, please speak with your doctor or nurse.

Cancer Related Fatigue Clinic 617-724-4800
The Cancer-Related Fatigue Clinic is an integral part of all services in the Cancer Center and provides comprehensive evaluations and treatment for adults with cancer experiencing fatigue.

Fertility Concerns (888) 221-4IVF
The Vincent Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecological Service offers experienced specialists who can provide consultation and treatment for those facing issues with fertility. Speak with your doctor or nurse for a referral.

The General Hair Care Center 617-643-1122
This full-service salon offers many services plus professional hair care and skincare products. Located in the Blake Building on the first floor next to The General Store .

Images Oncology Boutique 617-726-3211
Yawkey Center Building, 9th Floor
The salon has many products, including wigs, breast prosthesis and lymphedema sleeves. Men and women can speak with the staff one-on-one or go to a group discussion to learn more about skin care and managing hair loss. Located in the Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care, 9th Floor.

Oncology Nutrition Consulations & Workshops - 617-724-4144
Diet is an important part of each cancer patient's treatment. Research indicates that optimal nutrition during chemotherapy and radiation therapy reduces the severity of symptoms and shortens recovery time.Nutrition recommendations for cancer patients differ from the usual suggestions for healthy eating, because they are designed to build patients' strength and help them withstand the effects of cancer and its treatment. The Cancer Center's oncology dietitian, Suzanne Landry, MS, RD, LDN, is available by appointment to meet with patients to create a customized meal plan tailored to their weight goals. This service is available by appointment to all patients.

Palliative Care Team 617 724-9197
This team understands the many aspects of illness as it enters its more serious stages. This includes physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and emotional care and support for patients and their families. The goal is to provide the best possible quality of life and comfort with everyday activities. Patients and families may call for consultation. You can also talk to your doctor or nurse for a referral.

• Boston 617-726-2961
• Charlestown 617-724-2270
• Chelsea 617-887-3586
• Revere 781-485-6222
• Waltham 781-522-9093

Emotional Concerns

Bereavement Support Program (877) 726-5130
The Cancer Center Bereavement Support Program maintains a connection with family members after the death of their loved ones. It provides support and can help you find resources in your local community.

The Chapel at MGH 617-726-2220
The Chapel is located in the Ellison Building, first floor, diagonally across from the The General Store . It offers services for many faiths, including Jewish healing services, daily Catholic Mass, and Buddhist meditation. The chapel provides a quiet place to pray or be alone with your thoughts, special services as announced for various holy days, and services for healing.

Oncology Chaplaincy 617-726-2220
The oncology chaplain has special skills to assist you and your family to draw on or reconnect with your particular spiritual resources for healing. Support is available to persons of all faiths and to those with no religious affiliation.

Oncology Social Work 617-724-1822
Patients and their families and friends may have concerns about their cancer experience that they would like to talk over with someone who can listen. Oncology social workers are licensed mental health professionals who provide support for the many issues that may affect you and your family during cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. They accomplish this through a combination of counseling and the ability to provide access to various hospital and community resources.

Center for Psychiatric Oncology 617-724-4800
Psychiatrists who specialize in psychiatric oncology work closely with patients and families who often are facing the loss experiences brought about by cancer. Located on Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care, 9th Floor.

Communications Services

International Patient Center
Facilitates care of patients requiring interpreter services at the hospital.

Medical Interpreters 617-726-6966
Non-English, limited English proficient, deaf and hard of hearing patients and family members have the right to medical interpreters or auxiliary aids and services at no cost. Your doctor's office will schedule an interpreter or the aids and services you need . You may also call the Medical Interpreter Services at the hospital at 617-726-6966/TTY 617-726-0354 or write to mghinterpreters@mgh.org .

Environment of Healing

Resources for Children

Childcare 617-724-7100
The MGH Backup ChildCare Center offers emergency childcare to MGH patients and employees. It is there for you and your family to use while you are receiving care at MGH. Children between the ages of 15 months and 12 years are welcome. Pre-registration is recommended.

Shopping Locations

The General Store 617-726-2227

• Located in the Blake Building on the first floor.
• The General Store at Yawkey 617-723-1130 Located in the Yawkey Center's lobby.

These gift shops carry snacks, greeting cards, gift items, toys, postage stamps, phone cards, and more. Books and tapes that are helpful to patients with cancer and their families are also available. The General Store in the Blake Building also carries flowers, medical supplies, and baby items.

Pharmacy 617-724-3100
The outpatient pharmacy is located in the Wang Building, first floor. You will need your blue hospital card and insurance card to fill a prescription.

Other Cancer Support Services

Genetic Counselors 617-724-1971
Learn about hereditary risk of cancer and get help in making decisions about genetic testing. You can call for an appointment or speak with your team about a referral.

Oncology Financial Counselor 617-726-2192
You and your family can get help with applications for any type of government program (i.e. Medicaid, Free Care and pharmacy assistance). If you are having trouble with medical costs, please call.

Other Massachusetts General Hospital Support Services

Addiction Services 617-726-2712
If you need to talk to someone about alcohol or drug abuse, please call Addiction Services. They can give you information on counseling, support groups, and other recovery programs.

Blood Donation 617-726-8177
A patient's family members and friends can donate blood and platelets at The MGH Blood Donor Center, located on the first floor of the Gray/Jackson Building. Giving blood takes about 30 minutes with one unit of blood helping as many as three patients. It is one of the easiest ways to make a difference in a cancer patient's life.

HAVEN Program 617-724-0054
Do you ever feel unsafe with an intimate partner? Does your partner try to control you or the things you do? Is your experience of abuse now or in the past impacting your medical care? HAVEN provides advocacy and support to any patient or employee of institution whose life has been impacted by intimate partner abuse. HAVEN staff is available at the main campus and at our health centers in Chelsea and Revere. All services are free and confidential.

Patient Advocacy 617-726-3370
Patient advocates look into and help resolve patient/family complaints. If you are not satisfied with your care or if there are communication issues, a Patient Advocate can help you. Patient Advocates can also answer your questions about confidentiality and assist you in getting information about your care.