Frankly Speaking About Colorectal Cancer
(Second edition)
The Patient Active Approach
Founded in 1982 by Harold Benjamin, PhD, The Wellness Community (TWC) is the largest community-based psychosocial support program for people with cancer and their loved ones in the United States. At the center of The Wellness Community’s program philosophy is Dr. Benjamin’s Patient Active Concept©, which states that:
"People with cancer who actively participate in their fight for recovery along with their healthcare team, will improve the quality of their lives and may enhance the possibility of recovery."
Harold Benjamin, Ph.D.
Founder, The Wellness Community
What is Patient Active?
To be Patient Active, a person can choose to adopt a series of actions, behaviors and attitudes that can improve the quality of his or her life and may enhance the possibility of recovery. Being Patient Active is about feeling and acting empowered in partnership with your physician and healthcare team.
Your active participation in the choices you make with your healthcare team can make a big difference in your cancer experience and quality of life. Being Patient Active is also about recognizing the importance of caring for your physical, social, emotional and spiritual well-being throughout your cancer journey.
Choosing to be Patient Active is not a single monumental decision, but a series of small, incremental choices or steps that help you regain a sense of control over your treatment and your life with, through and beyond cancer.
"I learned from having cancer that you have to take care of yourself – if something doesn’t feel right, do something about it. It made me Patient Active. Now I tell my doctors what I want them to do for me."
– Marilyn
The Patient Active Concept:
"Combining the will of the patient with the skill of the physician – a powerful combination."
Harold Benjamin, Ph.D.
Founder, The Wellness Community
"I cannot change the fact that I got cancer, but I can control how I allow cancer to change my life."
– Pam
<< Previous | Table Of Contents | Next >>
Resource Library
Find books, websites, and many other resources to assist you in your search for information.
Virtual Community
Download a relaxation/visualization exercise, learn about nutrition during cancer and much more.
