From Active Treatment to Active Living
From state-of-the-art technology to pioneering treatments such as precision medicine and immunotherapy, the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center is revolutionizing cancer care. With better treatments and improvements in early detection, we are seeing more people survive cancer than ever before. At the Cancer Survivorship and Wellness Institute we offer personalized, holistic care with the aim of improving quality of life following active cancer treatment.
The Cancer Survivorship and Wellness Institute brings together clinical care, research and multidisciplinary support services to treat the unique needs of survivors. Patients receive individualized care from an Advanced Practice Provider specializing in survivorship. Our providers work closely with the treating oncology doctor as well as a wide range of specialists to ensure patients receive the most comprehensive care possible.
Along with managing short- and long-term side effects, we believe it is vital to address the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis and answer the many questions patients may have after active treatment and while in long-term surveillance. Our goal is to support patients in their return to wellness, so that their care can be transitioned to the primary care provider.
As a part of UCSF, one of the world’s leading biomedical research institutions, the Cancer Survivorship and Wellness Institute is engaged in important research studies aimed at understanding the needs and experiences of our patients. Our focus on research stems from a powerful commitment to improve the overall health and well-being of all survivors.
We know cancer changes lives. It is our mission to understand and address the effects of cancer so we can empower survivors to transition from active treatment into active living.
What to expect
We offer one-on-one care for adult survivors: You will receive individual treatment sessions with a provider who specializes in survivorship care. Our survivorship providers work closely with your treating oncologist to tailor your care according to your needs.
We coordinate with a multidisciplinary team: Your provider works closely with a wide range of specialists to ensure you receive the most comprehensive care possible.
We create an individualized plan: We develop an individualized care plan for you based on your overall health and wellness needs; the type of cancer, stage and treatment you received; and national guidelines. This care plan will be shared with you and your primary care provider.
We manage your symptoms: Long-term and late effects of treatment may include pain, fatigue, neuropathy or other symptoms. We will address those symptoms or refer you to the appropriate specialists.
We address your questions and emotions: You may have mixed emotions now that active treatment is over. You may have questions about the next steps or feel unprepared and less supported at this time. We understand and will support you through this new phase of your life.
We provide a supportive community: As a part of our programming, you have access to our Survivorship Wellness Program which offers education and support in a group setting. Topics may include nutrition, physical activity, stress, sleep, fatigue, body image, fear of recurrence, health promotion and goal-setting, and sexual, emotional and spiritual wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend: The Cancer Survivorship and Wellness Institute is open to adult patients who have completed active treatment. Please speak to your primary oncologist or call us at 415-514-2880.
What happens at a typical visit: Your provider will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, provide surveillance for your personal cancer history, assess long-term and late effects, screen for new cancers, and recommend ways to live a healthy lifestyle.
How long will you remain in Survivorship care: The survivorship program is individualized depending on your care needs. Our goal is to support your return to wellness, so that your care can be transitioned to your primary care provider.
How is it covered: Most insurances cover survivorship and survivorship wellness appointments. Please check with your insurance company or call us at 415-514-2880.
How you can help: You may be asked to participate in survivorship research which helps us improve treatment and care for survivors.
How you can donate: Donations help us provide deeper programming and services to more survivors. To learn about supporting the Cancer Survivorship and Wellness Institute, contact the Cancer Programs team at the UCSF Foundation at udarcc@ucsf.
Support Services for Survivors, Patients, Caregivers
- Cancer Resource Center
- Exercise Counseling
- Genetics and Prevention Program
- Integrative Medicine
- Nutrition Counseling and Services
- Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
- Psycho-Oncology
- Reproductive Health
- Sexual Health
- Oncology Social Work
- Symptom Management
- Spiritual Care
- The Sheri Sobrato Brisson Brain Cancer Survivorship Program
Survivorship Retreats and Seminars
We also offer yearly retreats and ongoing educational seminars which are open to all patients who have completed active treatment, regardless of where they received care. Topics include nutrition, managing fear of recurrence, sexuality after cancer, exercise and tools for valued living after cancer. To be notified of upcoming retreats and seminars, please contact the Patient and Family Cancer Support Center at (415) 885-3693 and ask to be added to our mailing list.
Open survivorship research studies
- Diet and Exercise Interventions Among Men With Prostate Cancer
- Gastrointestinal Oncology Research
- Urology Oncology Research
- Fertility Preservation Research
How to reach us
Please contact us with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment.
Phone: 415-514-2880
Fax: 415-514-2582
Locations:
Mount Zion: 1600 Divisadero St., Fourth Floor, San Francisco, CA 94115
Mission Bay: Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building, 1825 Fourth St., San Francisco, CA 94158