Cancer Symptom Management

(415) 885-7671

The UCSF Symptom Management Service (SMS) provides treatments and counseling to improve the quality of life and care of patients at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. Our team includes doctors, nurses, dietitians, social workers and a service coordinator.

We use medical, psychological, social work and spiritual approaches to address the physical and emotional symptoms of cancer. Our services include treatments for pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety and spiritual distress, as well as advance care planning.

SMS treatments are coordinated with your cancer treatments and with the support of your cancer doctor. Our team works directly with your cancer doctor, keeping him or her informed of your medication and symptom management needs. If you go to the emergency department or are hospitalized, please let us know so we can help. We do not, however, have after-hours or emergency on-call service.

Patients, after referral to SMS by their cancer doctors, will be seen by one or more members of the team.

Doctor referral required

Our locations

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Our team

Awards & recognition

Best hospital in Northern California
Ranked No. 12 in the nation for cancer care
Designated comprehensive cancer center

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 Resource Center

You'll find support groups, classes, a library, treatment information, special events and much more to promote wellness and healing for patients and families.

Support Group

Cancer Support Groups

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

Fitness

Core and More Class

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 Gift Shop

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

Fitness

Healing Through Dance Class

Use movement, expression, imagery and creativity to enhance your own healing. Open to all cancer patients (including non-UCSF) and their caregivers.

Class

Meditation and 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 can be key members of your cancer care team. Reach out for support, problem solving and help accessing UCSF's many cancer-related resources.

Support Group

Peer Support Program 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

Psycho-Oncology

The Psycho-Oncology program offers emotional and supportive care to patients of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and their families.

Fitness

Restorative Movement Class

Explore simple movements that help you feel more powerful and comfortable in your body. This fun and free UCSF class is aimed at those in recovery from cancer.

Patient Resource

Spa Infusion

Pamper yourself while fighting cancer. Free treatments for patients receiving chemotherapy at our Mount Zion campus include massage, acupressure and more.