Peer Support

Patient Care
Patient and Family Cancer Support Center
Peer Support

Although each person's experience is unique, many individuals find it helpful to talk to someone who has gone through a similar situation and who has "been there."

The UCSF Peer Support Program connects cancer patients by phone with a cancer survivor or with someone who is further along with their treatment. Patients can be matched by cancer type or stage, treatment, gender, age, and or family dynamics as best as possible. Our trained peer volunteers are available to share their experiences and informational support to possibly reduce the sense of anxiety and isolation. UCSF will solely provide the initial connection between the patient and volunteer.

Request Peer Support

Become A Peer Support Volunteer

Neuro-Oncology Connection Program
(For Caregivers)

To Request Peer Support:
Please read this in its entirety before completing the questionnaire. Allow a minimum of 10 min. to complete. Once you have started the questionnaire, please continue to the end (it will NOT allow you to go back to finish or make changes). If you forget something, there will be a link to contact the coordinator directly for any changes you wish to make.

To get started, please click the link below:

Click HERE to complete the Peer Request and Consent Form

To Become a Peer Support Volunteer:

Those who have completed treatment or have been in active surveillance for at least six months may be eligible to participate as a Peer Support Volunteer. Qualifications for this role include good listening and communication skills and the ability to speak from personal experience. To be considered, you will be asked to participate in an initial interview to determine if this role is a good fit for you. Once selected, volunteers will:

Attend a 2.5 hour training or 1-1 email option
Complete and sign training documents and confidentiality agreement
Commit to at least one year of volunteering

Please e-mail us or call 415-885-3693 for more information.

Watch a peer support video video about the UCSF Peer Support Program for Prostate Cancer.

UCSF Neuro-Oncology Caregiver Connection Program: 415-514-5674

Caregivers for patients with brain tumors have unique challenges. The UCSF Neuro-Oncology Caregiver Connection Program connects caregivers of UCSF brain tumor patients to other caregivers for peer support. Caregivers are matched, as best as possible, by tumor type, treatment, age and family situation so that family and friends can talk to someone who best understands their new caregiving circumstances.

Our trained peer caregivers are available to share their experiences and to provide confidential emotional, practical, and informational support. No need to worry about meeting times--caregivers can connect with our volunteers on their schedule!

This service is available to family and friends of UCSF Neuro-Oncology patients. To be connected with a caregiver peer, please call at 415-514-5674.

Peer Support

Although each person's experience is unique, many individuals find it helpful to talk to someone who has gone through a similar situation and who has "been there."

Upcoming Events

Cancer Control Program Meeting

UCSF Health Services Research Symposium

Integrative Oncology: Approaches for Enhancing Patient-Centered Palliative and Supportive Care

Cancer Resource Center Videos

The Healing Power of Gratitude, Joy and Love, with Will Pye

Non-Toxic Tips for Healthy Living

Integrative Medicine Grand Rounds: Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery

Cancer Resource Center Podcasts

Integrative Medicine Grand Rounds: Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery

"Transforming Suffering into Compassion, with Khenpo Paljor Gyatso"

"Updates from 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium"