Kent & Queen Anne’s Hospital’s cancer counseling program is offering a new service to support newly diagnosed cancer patients and their families. The Patient to Patient program utilizes the experiences of cancer survivors to help answer questions and reduce the fear of individuals who have recently learned they have cancer.

Dr. Rick Wirtz, Psy. D., a psychologist and director of the hospital’s cancer counseling program, explains, “No matter how informative and reassuring a doctor or nurse might be about cancer treatment and its side effects, there is nothing quite as inspiring for the new patient as the experience and support of a cancer survivor.”

Cancer survivors who would like to volunteer to share their experience with a newly diagnosed patient, may also contact Dr. Wirtz to learn more about the program.

The hospital’s cancer counseling program is available to all cancer patients including those not receiving treatment at the hospital.