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

This service helps you identify your questions and concerns before your consultation with a breast cancer specialist. A trained staff member works with you to articulate key questions you want to ask during your appointment. We provide a printout of the questions to help guide the conversation with your doctor. Consultation planning is usually done by phone a day or two before your doctor's appointment.

Consultation recording

This is a process where a trained staff member attends the consultation with you and your doctor. The staff member records the appointment using an audio recorder and creates a written summary of your doctor's answers to your questions. You and your doctor are given a copy of the summary.

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 service. 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

Our services are provided at no cost to patients. Consultation planning and recording services are provided based on availability.