I Can Cope is an educational program sponsored by the American Cancer Society to provide a supportive environment for adults with cancer and their loved ones. The program offers several courses that are designed to help participants cope with their cancer experience by increasing their knowledge, positive attitude, and skills.

Individuals who know more about their disease can make informed decisions with their doctors, becoming partners on their treatment teams. I Can Cope can help patients and their families work through the feelings of fear and frustration that so often come with a cancer diagnosis. The program is conducted by trained health care professionals, often with hospital co-sponsorship.

The program offers straightforward cancer information and answers to questions about human anatomy, cancer development, diagnosis, treatment, side effects, new research, communication, emotions, sexuality, self-esteem, and community resources. The program also provides information, encouragement, and practical hints through presentations and class discussions. All courses are free.

To make it easier to meet diverse community needs, three types of I Can Cope courses are now available:

• The I Can Cope classic course is divided into two-hour sessions, once a week, for eight consecutive weeks. This is the most comprehensive and structured I Can Cope course, offering participants the maximum opportunity to learn and interact with other group members. Course topics include information on cancer treatments, managing the effects of treatment, communicating concerns and feelings, and exploring self-esteem and intimacy.
• The I Can Cope compact course is a condensed, eight-hour version of the 16-hour classic course. The compact course offers education and group support much like the classic course but requires a shorter time commitment. The course is divided into four two-hour segments, once a week, for four consecutive weeks. Topics include learning about cancer and cancer treatments, and understanding feelings and relationships.
• The I Can Cope optional courses are two-hour sessions, each focusing on a single topic, including: "Relieving Cancer Pain," "Taking Charge of Money Matters,” and “Nutritional Well Being.” These courses can be taken as freestanding, one-time seminars for interested individuals or as additional sessions of the classic and compact courses. Participants in these sessions are not required to take the classic or compact courses.

For more information or to locate an I Can Cope program in your area, visit In My Community or call the American Cancer Society toll-free at 1-800-ACS-2345 (I-800-227-2345).

To become an I Can Cope classic or compact course facilitator, interested health care professionals must successfully complete required American Cancer Society training and periodic updates. There is no standard training requirement for facilitators of optional courses; qualifications depend on the specific knowledge and skills each course requires. Call us toll-free at 1-800-ACS-2345 to become an I Can Cope facilitator.