UCSF Patient Support Corps

The Breast Cancer Patient Support Corps is a support service for people with breast cancer, especially those who are newly diagnosed. Our goal is to help patients get the most out of their appointments with breast cancer specialists as they learn about their diagnosis and consider key treatment decisions. We operate out of the UCSF Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center and work with patients remotely, over MyChart, Zoom or by phone. We offer the following services:

Consultation Planning

A trained staff member helps you identify your most important questions and concerns before your consultation with a breast cancer specialist. We send a copy of your questions to both and your doctor ahead of your appointment. Studies show that having a written list of questions will help you voice all of your questions and concerns to your doctor.

Consultation Recording

A trained staff member will make an audio recording of your visit with the doctor and take notes as well. Afterward, they will email you a copy of the recording and a written summary. Patients can recall more information about their appointment when they have a recording and summary to review, studies have shown. This scribing service is subject to availability.


Contact us

Phone: 415-476-6004[email protected]

Eligibility

If you have a confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer and are scheduled for a consultation with a breast cancer specialist, surgeon or plastic surgeon, you're eligible for our services. These services may be helpful if you're newly diagnosed, seeking a second opinion or in the midst of a complex decision-making process.

Cost and Availability

Our services are free of cost and provided based on availability. Because we have a small team, we encourage you to email or call us as early as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I request services?

Email [email protected] (preferred) or call 415-476-6004 and leave a voicemail. Please include your name, phone number and details about your upcoming appointment. When possible, requests should be made at least one week in advance to allow time for staff scheduling and coordination. If your appointment is less than a week away, you’re still welcome to request services and we will do our best to accommodate.

If I’m being seen at a UCSF clinic outside the Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center, am I still eligible?

The Breast Care Center provides funding for our service, so our first priority is patients being seen at the Center. However, we do our best to accommodate patients seen elsewhere at UCSF, subject to staff availability.

I’m returning for a follow-up visit, not a new visit. Am I still eligible?

Yes! While our services are primarily for first-time visits (since these often involve complex medical decisions), we can also provide support for follow-up visits.

Do you assist patients who speak a language other than English?

Yes! We will work to coordinate language-appropriate services for non-English speakers.

Can I request services on behalf of someone else?

Yes! Family members or caregivers are welcome to request services on behalf of a patient. Please include information about the person you are requesting services for when you contact us.

What can I do if your services are unavailable?

If we’re unable to help, the following strategies can be pursued on your own or with the help of family or friends:

  • Write a list of questions and refer to it during your appointment to help you remember what to ask. See Questions To Ask Your Cancer Doctor to help prepare your list.
  • Bring someone with you to the appointment and ask them to take notes, so you can focus on your interaction with the doctor.
  • Ask the doctor if you can record the visit. You can do so with your phone or a digital recorder.

Related Services

Breast Cancer Coordinated Diagnostic Evaluation