Patient and Family Support Services: The Science of Caring

Patient and Family Support Services assists patients and their families in facing the challenges of cancer. We ensure that, from your very first visit to the Cancer Center, you will never feel alone.

Our uniquely integrated team of cancer experts includes social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, palliative care specialists, and volunteers. All programs and services are tailored to the needs of our patients, their families, and the community and are scientifically evaluated to ensure that they enhance medical treatment, maximize coping, and improve quality of life.

• Each healthcare team includes a social worker who will remain a key part of your healthcare team from diagnosis through treatment.

• Early on in your treatment, you will complete the How Can We Help You and Your Family? questionnaire that quickly communicates concerns and problems to your healthcare team, allowing us to respond quickly to your needs.

• We offer supportive and therapeutic groups for patients and their families, such as general groups, groups by cancer type, stress-management groups (including yoga and meditation), creativity groups, and educational workshops. Most of these programs are at no cost to you. Look for our monthly Calendar of Activities in the Cancer Center lobby or online: cancer.ucsd.edu/wecare.

• Individual, couples, and family counseling, as well as medication evaluation and management, are readily available to help you cope with the psychological challenges of cancer.

• Find the most up-to-date information about your illness and community resources at our Patient and Family Education Center, located on the first floor of the Cancer Center.

Medical treatment makes life possible; patient and family support makes living with cancer possible. Patient and Family Support Services is here to help.

cancer.ucsd.edu/wecare
858/822-3141