Staying in a hospital for weeks battling cancer can be frightening. Adult cancer patients often feel vulnerable and unable to take charge of their own lives.

The Duke Cancer Institute's Oncology Recreation Therapy Program (ORT) is a prescription to turn these feelings around.

By giving patients opportunities to create, express, and smile, the program puts a sense of choice and control back in their hands. ORT helps patients help themselves.

What Is Recreation Therapy?

Recreation therapy is an innovative type of psychosocial therapy that utilizes recreation services for purposeful intervention in order to develop, regain, or maintain a patient’s capacity for full living -- their physical strength, emotional growth, or social self-confidence.

At the Duke Cancer Institute, a state licensed and nationally certified recreation therapist helps patients and their families enjoy and employ their own creativity and personal drive in their fight against cancer.

At the Duke Cancer Institute, ORT matches the best medical care available with opportunities for socialization, education, and fun. ORT puts patients in a better frame of mind to be treated -- and helps them combat fear, anxiety, depression, and even physical symptoms such as nausea and pain.

Learn more about Duke Oncology Recreation Therapy.