Hoag’s Expressive Arts Program is a series of classes/workshops that use different approaches to art to evoke relaxation, a space for creativity and time to spend with others in the cancer community. Art has been shown to be a therapeutic outlet for expressing difficult thoughts and feelings, and managing symptoms of cancer treatment.

You are encouraged to join us, regardless of experience or skill set!

Thank you to our generous donors for making these programs available:

Gail Wirtz Costello Complimentary Therapies Fund Robert M. McIntyre Memorial Fund

Ongoing Classes:

Healing Arts

Healing Arts provides a structured approach of guided art exercises designed to elicit a creative response that encourages the release of stress, grief, anger and many other emotions. By expressing themselves creatively, participants can document their experience in a profound way, thus creating a healing environment for themselves.

Creative Expressions

Creative Expressions provides an engaging, social environment to connect with others and express yourself through arts and crafts. Workshops include various projects where the goal is to have fun and be in the moment. Participants will leave with a project that they have created.

For more information on any of these workshops, call 949-722-6237.

Well-informed patients are better equipped to navigate the challenging journey through cancer treatment and recovery. That is why Hoag offers a wide array of free educational programs to support cancer patients in their quest for knowledge. Please visit our community education page to register for a class or workshop.

Breast Cancer Orientation Class​

We invite all newly diagnosed breast cancer patients to attend this special educational class designed to address the unique concerns of the newly diagnosed breast cancer patient. Learn about the support and resources available at Hoag and in the community. Offered virtually and in person on the first Thursday of the month from 12-1:30 p.m.

Workshops for Well-Being

These unique workshops provide an important avenue for achieving well-being and improved quality of life.

Healing Arts Program – Hoag’s Healing Arts Program is a series of classes/workshops that use different approaches to art to evoke relaxation, a space for creativity and time to spend with others in the cancer community.

Caregiver Support – Caregivers are the pillar of strength that an individual going through cancer leans upon. These individuals often place most or all of their attention on their loved one going through treatment, and very little on themselves. Attached is a flyer of resources available to the caregiver, offering ways to reconnect and take time to get the support needed through the cancer journey.

Grief Recovery Series – Join us for an 8 week series that provides a safe environment for you to look at your old beliefs about dealing with loss, which losses have affected your life and take actions that will lead you to complete unresolved emotions that may still be causing you pain.

HealthRHYTHMS Drum Circle – Join us to try a new alternative therapy for reducing stress and strengthening your immune system.

Her Talks: Resilience, Wellness and Thrivorship – An intimate evening of education and healing, with topics centered around breast cancer survivorship.

Lymphedema Workshop – An educational workshop provided by Lymphedema specialist Leslie Craner.

Being diagnosed with cancer can feel overwhelming at times. Many patients and their families need help with coping and can benefit from supportive counseling. Oncology Clinical Social Workers are available to provide emotional and practical support during all stages of cancer including diagnosis, treatment and post-treatment survivorship.

Hoag Family Cancer Institute provides specialized individual, couple and family counseling, on a short-term basis, free of charge, to its patients and their support persons.

Counseling Services are available in person or virtually. Please email OncologySocialWork@hoag.org or call 949-7-CANCER (949-722-6237) to schedule an appointment with one of our therapists.

How counseling can benefit you

• Learn ways to cope with a cancer diagnosis, feel less overwhelmed and more in control

• Explore the meaning of the cancer experience

• Manage difficult feelings, such as depression and anxiety

• Manage cancer symptoms and treatment side effects, such as pain and fatigue

• Learn how to communicate effectively with the health care team

• Address relationship issues and financial concerns that are causing distress

• Explore options and get feedback about important decisions

• Consider professional or workplace issues and strategies

• Talk about concerns you may have about what comes next after finishing treatment

• Learn how to help your family understand and adjust to changes in routine as a result of a cancer diagnosis

• Explore and resolve cancer-related sexuality issues

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 949-7-CANCER (949-722-6237).

Brighter Image Program: 949-764-5542

Massage and Reiki during cancer treatment help to improve quality of life. These therapies may relieve stress, promote relaxation and sleep, as well as relieve anxiety, pain or fatigue.

Hoag is pleased to offer a trained oncology massage therapists and Reiki practitioners who can help patients manage these physical and emotional experiences during cancer and develop a safe care plan around possible side effects of treatment.

$50 – 45 Minute Massage

$50 – 45 Minute Reiki Session

(for Hoag cancer patients who are in active treatment, and up to 5 months after treatment; also available to caregivers for these patients)

Available by appointment only. Limit of 4 massages per patient. Additional massages may be recommended based on clinical need. Physician authorization required.

Massages will take place at:

Patty & George Hoag Cancer Center One Hoag Drive Newport Beach, CA 92663

Hoag Cancer Center Irvine 16105 Sand Canyon Avenue Irvine, CA 92618

To schedule an appointment, please call 949-7-CANCER (722-6237)

Hoag Family Cancer Institute support groups provide mutual support and information for cancer patients and their families. Groups are facilitated by licensed clinical social workers and oncology nurses. Discussion is focused on current issues faced by cancer patients and their support network. There is no charge for the following groups.

Hoag Family Cancer Institute offers the following support groups. Please visit our community education page to register for a support group or class.

• Bereavement Support Group

• Bladder Cancer Support Group

• Brain Tumor Support Group

• Breast Cancer Support Group

• Young Women’s Breast Cancer Support Group

• Gastrointestinal Cancer Support Group

• Gynecologic Cancer Support Group

• Lung Cancer Support Group

• Lymphoma & Hematologic Cancer Support Group

• Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group (virtual)

• Oral, Head & Neck Cancer Support Group

• Ostomy Support Group

• Pancreatic Support Group

• Prostate Cancer Support Group