American Cancer Society Mission Training and Support for Volunteers

"I Can Cope" Teleconference Flyer

I Can Cope is a series of free, educational, peer support classes now offered on a monthly basis over the telephone exclusively for cancer patients and caregivers in California. Facilitated by medical professionals, each I Can Cope class highlights a different topic relevant to the cancer experience to enhance cancer patient's and caregiver's knowledge and skills and to empower them to cope more effectively with the challenges that living with cancer can bring. Download the flyers below and share them with patients and caregivers:

Why is I Can Cope offered over the phone?

Offering monthly I Can Cope classes over the telephone is one of the many ways the American Cancer Society strives to make support services and information easily accessible. I Can Cope telephone classes allow patients and caregivers to participate by telephone from locations that are most convenient for them, such as their own homes or offices. Patients who are ill, fatigued or have "at risk" immune systems have found I Can Cope telephone classes to be particularly helpful, as they require no travel and expend minimal amounts of energy. Caregivers have also benefited from this venue given the minimal demand it places on them in driving a patient and/or themselves to an I Can Cope class offered in person.

What is an I Can Cope telephone class like?

I Can Cope telephone classes are interactive! Patients and caregivers are encouraged to ask questions, give and receive feedback and share experiences with other participants. In order to assure confidentiality, only first names of participants are used. Due to the added anonymity provided by the telephone, many patients and caregivers feel more comfortable sharing their experiences, fears, and questions. I Can Cope telephone classes provide an easy way for patients and caregivers from all over the state to connect and share common hopes and strategies for coping with cancer. Prior to each telephone class, each participant receives materials for use during the class to guide discussion.

What topics are included in the I Can Cope telephone classes?

Each I Can Cope class focuses on a different cancer-related topic. Telephone classes are offered on a monthly basis and cycle through the following topics (in no particular order): Communicating Concerns and Feelings, Exploring Self-Esteem and Intimacy, Managing Cancer-Related Fatigue, Managing the Effects of Illness and Treatment, Nutrition During and After Cancer Treatment, Relieving Cancer Pain, Taking Charge of Money Matters, and Supporting Your Loved One and Yourself through the Cancer Experience [for caregivers only].

I Can Cope is also offered online: