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Cancer Survivorship and Wellness Institute

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(415) 514-2880

The UCSF Cancer Survivorship and Wellness Institute provides personalized, holistic care with the aim of improving quality of life for patients who have completed their cancer treatment. We are part of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is revolutionizing cancer care through use of state-of-the-art technologies; pioneering treatments, such as precision medicine and immunotherapy; and other innovations.

Thanks to better treatments as well as methods that allow earlier detection, we're seeing more people survive cancer than ever before. The Cancer Survivorship and Wellness Institute brings together patient care, research and specialized support services to treat the unique needs of adult cancer survivors.

When you become part of our program, the institute's providers will work closely with your oncologist, as well as a wide range of specialists, to ensure that you receive comprehensive care tailored to your physical and emotional needs.

As a patient in our program, you receive:

  • One-on-one treatment sessions. These are with a nurse practitioner or physician assistant who specializes in survivorship.
  • Individualized care. We develop a plan based on your overall health, your needs, the type and stage of your cancer, the treatments you had, and national guidelines.
  • Symptom management. We address long-term and late effects of treatment, such as pain, fatigue and neuropathy. If needed, we'll refer you to the appropriate specialists.
  • Post-treatment support. The end of active treatment often leaves people with mixed emotions. You may feel alone or unprepared for what comes next. We understand, and we'll answer your questions and help you with the complicated feelings that can arise during this time.
  • A community that knows what you're going through. You have access to our yearly retreats, ongoing seminars and eight-week survival wellness program. These provide education, support and opportunities to connect with other adult survivors. Find more information below.

As part of UCSF, one of the world's leading biomedical research institutions, the Cancer Survivorship and Wellness Institute is engaged in studies aimed at revealing patients' real-life needs and experiences. We may ask you to participate in research that can help us improve care for survivors.

We know that cancer changes lives. Our mission is to comprehend and address the effects of cancer, thereby empowering survivors to transition from active treatment to active living.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is eligible for this program?

    The Cancer Survivorship and Wellness Institute is open to adult patients who have completed their active treatment at UCSF. Please speak to your primary oncologist or call us at (415) 514-2880.

  • What happens at a typical visit?

    At your first visit, a provider will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, assess any symptoms you're experiencing as a result of your cancer or treatment, screen for new cancers, and start developing a care plan. Later visits vary. Depending on the issues you're dealing with, your provider may:

    • Offer recommendations for managing side effects
    • Monitor you for recurrence
    • Provide helpful resources
    • Provide care coordination between your oncologist and primary care provider
    • Explain follow-up care, including labs, imaging and procedures
    • Recommend lifestyle changes that can improve overall health and reduce the risk of a recurrence, new cancers or other illnesses

  • How long will I be in survivorship care?

    This depends on your individual needs. Patients have been in our program anywhere from one year to more than 10. Our goal is to support your return to wellness, so that your care can be transitioned to your primary care provider.

  • Will my insurance cover the program?

    Most insurance plans cover survivorship and survivorship wellness appointments. Please check with your insurance company or call us at (415) 514-2880.

Survivorship retreats and seminars

We offer yearly retreats and ongoing educational seminars. These are open to all patients who have completed active treatment, regardless of where they received it. Retreat topics include nutrition, managing fear of recurrence, sexuality after cancer, exercise, and tools for living well after cancer.

To receive notifications of upcoming events, please call the Patient and Family Cancer Support Center at (415) 885-3693 and ask to be added to the mailing list.

Survivorship Wellness Group Program

The Survivorship Wellness Group Program, offered by UCSF's psycho-oncology team, is an eight-week program focused on helping cancer survivors learn about and practice skills for optimizing their health after treatment.

The program provides opportunities to learn from our dietitians, social workers, psychologists, chaplains, health coaches and exercise counselors. You'll be invited to set your own goals related to nutrition, physical activity, managing stress, sleeping well, and boosting sexual, emotional and spiritual wellness.

UCSF patients who have completed their cancer treatment and are interested in registering for this program should call the psycho-oncology team at (415) 353-3931.

Support our program

Donations help us expand our programming and services to more survivors. Please consider making a gift to the Cancer Survivorship and Wellness Institute.

Our locations

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    U.S. News rankings

    • usnews-neurology

      Among the top hospitals in the nation

    • Best in Northern California and No. 7 in the nation for cancer care

    Accreditations & memberships

    • National Cancer Institute

      The National Cancer Institute has designated UCSF a comprehensive cancer center, its highest ranking. This designation is awarded to centers that demonstrate scientific excellence and the ability to conduct cancer research across many disciplines.

    • Commission on Cancer

      UCSF's cancer programs have been accredited by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer (CoC) since 1933. The CoC is a consortium of groups dedicated to improving cancer patients' survival and quality of life via research, education and better medical care.

    • National Comprehensive Cancer Network

      UCSF is a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the world’s top cancer centers. The network brings together leaders in treatment and research to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of cancer care.

    Support services

    Support Group

    Art for Recovery

    Creativity can help people with serious illnesses cope, heal and express what they're going through. Find out about our program and how to join.

    Fitness

    Cancer Exercise Counseling

    Our one-on-one exercise training sessions, customized for your needs and abilities, can complement other cancer treatments and speed your recovery.

    Patient Resource

    Cancer Nutrition Counseling

    UCSF Health offers free nutrition counseling to our patients with cancer, as well as nutrition seminars that are open to anyone. Learn more.

    Support Group

    Cancer Support Groups

    These groups offered by the Ida and Joseph Friend Patient and Family Cancer Support Center are free and available to all patients, whether or not you get your health care at UCSF.

    Fitness

    Core & More Class for Cancer Patients

    A strong body helps you fight cancer and enjoy life. Join this class to stabilize your core, strengthen your muscles and improve overall fitness. For cancer patients and caregivers!

    Patient Resource

    Friend to Friend Specialty Shops

    A one-stop boutique for patients with cancer. Get professional help with wigs, prostheses, sun-protective clothing, makeup, skin care and more.

    Class

    Meditation & Guided Imagery for Cancer Patients

    Drop in for a free class designed to help you heal, relax and find balance during your treatment. UCSF and non-UCSF patients are welcome.

    Patient Resource

    Oncology Social Work

    Social workers offer support, problem-solving, help accessing UCSF cancer-related resources and more. Find out how to contact the social worker for your clinic.

    Patient Resource

    Patient & Family Cancer Support Center

    The center offers wellness programming, community, support groups, classes, workshops and more at no cost to people facing cancer and their loved ones.

    Support Group

    Peer Support Programs for Cancer

    Patients are matched with peer support volunteers according to criteria such as diagnosis, cancer stage, age or gender. Speak to someone who's "been there."

    Patient Resource

    Spiritual Care Services

    Chaplains representing many faiths are available around the clock to provide support, comfort and counsel to patients, families and caregivers.

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your condition
    • List of your medications, including dosages, plus any you're allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    International Services

    If you live outside the United States and are coming to UCSF for medical treatment, our patient liaisons can help coordinate all aspects of your visit.

    Learn more

    Interpreting Services

    UCSF offers interpreters in various languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), as well as services for deaf, hard-of-hearing and visually impaired patients.

    Learn more

    Hospital Stays

    Make your hospital stay as smooth and comfortable as possible by finding out how to prepare and what to expect.

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    Your Doctor Visit

    See our top 10 tips for making your UCSF doctor’s appointment as stress-free and productive as possible.

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