LEWISTON – Central Maine Medical Center is offering the American Cancer Society’s “I Can Cope” program for cancer patients, family members and caregivers.

“I Can Cope is a series of four free classes in which doctors, nurses, dietitians and other medical professionals present information about cancer and answer patients’ questions. Topics include managing cancer-related fatigue, exploring self-esteem and intimacy, practicing better nutrition during and after treatment and keeping well in mind and body.

The first of the four classes, “Managing Cancer-Related Fatigue,” will be offered from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 6, at Central Maine Medical Center. The class concentrates on fatigue – the most common side effect of cancer and cancer treatment.

The class will cover the basics of cancer-related fatigue, what causes fatigue in people with cancer, how to discuss fatigue with physicians and how caregivers can help those experiencing fatigue.

“I Can Cope” facilitator Julie Rioux, an oncology social work intern at Central Maine Medical Center, will facilitate all four classes in the series. The classes will be held in Conference Room I at Central Maine Medical Center, High Street. Subsequent classes will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. March 14, 20 and 27.

Those interested in registering for one or more of the classes should call Julie Rioux at 795-7511.

“I Can Cope” is a program offered by the American Cancer Society, the nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

For more information about cancer, call 800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

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