Support & Survivorship

Winchester Hospital’s Cancer Rehabilitation Survivorship Training and Rehabilitation (STAR) Program® is nationally recognized. It focuses on improving the lives of people who have side effects from cancer treatments.

Depending on your situation, the STAR Program offers consultations with:

• Doctors
• Nutritionists
• Physical, occupational and speech therapists
• Rehabilitation nurses

You may be a candidate for the STAR Program if you experience one or more of these issues during cancer treatment:

• Balance and gait problems
• Fatigue
• Lymphedema (swelling in arms and legs)
• Memory and concentration issues
• Pain
• Shoulder problems
• Swallowing and speech problems
• Weakness

For appointments or more information, call Winchester Hospital’s Cancer Rehabilitation program at 781-729-8833. You’ll need a provider referral before you can begin therapy.

We offer appointments at five convenient locations in Winchester, Woburn, Reading and Wilmington.

Cancer treatments can be toxic and may cause significant pain, fatigue and disability. Winchester Hospital is pleased to offer the Survivorship Evaluation at Lahey (SEAL) program.

SEAL is a comprehensive cancer care program that engages you at the start of your treatment plan and on an ongoing basis throughout your survivorship. After an assessment, the program refers you to certain rehabilitation programs to improve your outcome and satisfaction with treatment.

You may be a candidate for the SEAL program if you experience one or more of the following:

• Balance and gait problems
• Fatigue
• Lymphedema 
• Memory and concentration issues
• Pain
• Shoulder problems
• Swallowing and speech problems
• Weakness

For appointments or more information, call Winchester Hospital’s Cancer Rehabilitation program at 781-729-8833. You need a provider referral before you can begin therapy.

We offer appointments at five convenient locations in Winchester, Woburn, Reading and Wilmington.

Our cancer support groups focus on learning to cope with the stress of diagnosis and the treatment process, while trying hard not to let this disease take over your life.

Depending on your situation and needs, we offer a variety of support groups:

• A seven-week (one evening a week) breast cancer support group for newly diagnosed patients that runs three times a year at the Winchester Hospital Breast Care Center
• An ongoing prostate cancer support group for patients and families that meets monthly 
• An ongoing general cancer support group for patients and family members that meets biweekly 
• A breast cancer survivors' program that meets every other month to discuss ongoing issues in survivorship 
• A caregivers’ support group that meets as needed 

We hold meetings in the Center for Cancer Care at 620 Washington St. in Winchester. A licensed, independent, clinical social worker facilitates all support groups.

Pre-registration is required. For details on the schedule of our group meetings, or to pre-register, please call 781-756-5072.

Winchester Hospital is proud to offer A Caring Place retail store for people with cancer. A Caring Place carries wigs, prostheses, head coverings and much more. Our professionally trained staff is available to help you select the best products for your individual needs.

We carry:

• A full range of prosthetics
  • Lightweight forms for full mastectomies
  • Overlays to help with changes in profile due to lumpectomy or radiation
  • Silicone forms that are attachable
• A wide range of mastectomy bras in fashionable colors and styles, with several choices of sports bras
• Compression sleeves, stockings and bandages
• Head coverings
• Jewelry
• Soft, comfortable camisoles with lightweight forms for immediate post-surgery use
• Wigs in many styles and colors
  • Shampoos and conditioners
  • Special orders available, at no extra cost
  • Styling products
  • Wig care kits

All bras, prosthetics, wigs and compression items are available by appointment only. Please call 781-756-5088 to schedule an appointment.

Most insurance plans cover the cost of wigs, bras and prosthetics. Please check with your insurance company to understand your plan’s coverage.

The Caring Place is in the Center for Cancer Care at 620 Washington St. in Winchester.