The Peer Support Program offers cancer patients the opportunity to speak with survivors or with veteran patients who have already "been there." This is an on-the-phone service and it's free. All cancer patients are welcome regardless of where the care is received. Patients can be matched with peer support volunteers according to criteria such as diagnosis, stage, age, gender or by preference of the person seeking support.
Although each person's experience is unique, many individuals find it helpful to talk to someone who has had or is currently in a similar situation.
Talking with someone who has lived with cancer can often be comforting and can reduce the sense of anxiety and isolation that a cancer diagnosis brings.
The peer support volunteers are a devoted group of individuals who can provide unique support, comfort, and practical information (not medical advice) to those with cancer. Hearing about their experience can be invaluable.
Once your paperwork is received, the personal and medical information on your intake form is released to a peer support volunteer with whom you will be matched.
Information contained on the intake form is entered into a database for matching purposes and released to the peer support volunteer.
Matches are made within a week of receiving the consent and intake forms, sooner if possible.
A peer support volunteer contacts you by phone and will make two to three attempts to connect.
When possible, more than one peer support volunteer can be matched with you. You may receive calls from up to three peers who are matched according to your needs.
When no match is possible through the UCSF peer support program, the program manager will contact you and provide you with other options.
If you choose not to participate, you can contact the program coordinator at the Ida & Joseph Friend Cancer Resource Center at UCSF to request your information not be released to a peer support volunteer. Call (415) 885-7801 or send an email.
The Cancer Resource Center also has an Online Peer Support service, where you can submit a question about coping with breast or prostate cancer to a volunteer online.
Veteran patients receive the opportunity to share the knowledge and insight gained from their cancer experience. By doing so, veteran patients not only help others, but also have the opportunity to share and connect with others in a rewarding and constructive way.
Prospective Peer Support Volunteers must:
To inquire about the Peer Support Program, contact Idonah Molina at 415-885-7801 or by email.
Peer Support is a program of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Peer Support Program
Phone 415-885-7801
Email
