UCSF Cancer Resource Center

at Mission Bay

Formerly the Patient and Family

Cancer Support Center

Walk-In Hours: Monday thru Friday

9:00 am – 4:30 pm

• Many resources and support services available to you
• Visit a comfortable resting area between appointments
• Check your MyChart, emails, or charge your phone
• Or stop by just to say "Hi."

We may be reached by e-mail at

crc@ucsf.edu or

by phone at 415-885-3693.

Feel free to stop by

1825 4th Street | Cross street, 16th Street

Lobby, Ste. M1210

Cancer Resource Center

Offerings, Programs & Services

PeerTalk connects patients receiving cancer care with trained Peer Mentors sharing their cancer experience. We have officially launch, however, we are looking for more patients interested in becoming Peer Mentors.

To become a Peer Mentor, you need to:

• Have been diagnosed with cancer OR in a high-risk group for cancer
• Have received a good portion of your cancer care at UCSF
• Are at least 6 + months post treatment or in active surveillance
• Attend a mandatory two-hour PeerTalk Mentor training



Sign Up for a PeerTalk Training

To sign up for one of the Peer Mentor trainings, you will need to register through the UCSF Health PeerTalk platform select "Become a Patient Mentor" and answer a few questions. (You will be guided to Eventbrite, click "Check Availability" to see upcoming dates). Following your registration, you will receive further instructions and information.

The Cancer Resource Center is seeking

compassionate and dedicated volunteers to join our team.

Our volunteers play an important role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for patients, caregivers, and staff throughout our UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. They provide personalized, curated orientations to Cancer Center resources and services and help individuals navigate available support. Whether helping someone find the right resource, connecting a caregiver with support, assisting staff in identifying services for their patients, or simply offering a warm presence, our volunteers help ensure that everyone who connects with the Cancer Resource Center feels welcomed, supported, and cared for.

Interested in joining us?

Contact Bernardo Diaz at bernardo.diaz@ucsf.edu to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how to get involved.

Notary Services at the

Cancer Resource Center

How do I schedule an appointment?

Clinic/Admin Staff or Social Worker will email Bernardo Diaz or

the Cancer Resource Center or call 415-885-3785 to get an appointment scheduled.

UCSF Programs, Seminars & Events

UPCOMING

Registration is now open

Our dietitian Greta Macaire, MA, RD, CSO,, has selected the following recipe to feature this month. Also, be sure to check out our online video library of our nutrition workshops.

Pumpkin Seed and Black Bean Granola

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Drain and rinse black beans, then lay out on paper towels to soak up the residual moisture.
3. Combine all ingredients except dried fruit.
4. Spread mixture onto 2 baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20 to 30 min., stirring every 15 min.
6. When granola is golden brown, take out and let cool completely before stirring in dried fruit. Granola will crisp up slightly as it cools.
7. Store in an airtight container or bag.

Yields 15 Servings (1/3 cup per serving).

Recipe from savoryspiceshop.com

Are you a UCSF cancer patient and have some nutrition concerns?

Note: One-on-one Nutrition Counseling is available with one of our four oncology dietitians at no cost to UCSF cancer patients. These appointments are available via zoom (video visit) or telephone, by scheduling through your oncologist office/team.

Are you a UCSF cancer patient looking to regain strength or range of motion?

If so, you are eligible for a free one-on-one 60-minute Exercise Counseling video appointment. You will be able ask any specific questions you may have as it relates to exercising. If you have pain or discomfort limiting your participation in exercise, you should reach out to your doctor. They can refer you to physical therapy to manage your pain and help you get back to being physically active!

Please refer to your oncology department to make an appointment referral.

For more information, please call 415-514-6430  or 415-885-3693

Launch and Twist

(With medicine ball or small pumpkin)

As the holidays draw near, we must continue to prepare the body for what is to come. The lunge and twist help you handle everyday tasks that require bending, reaching, and rotating all at once. Adding a light to medium medicine ball or small pumpkin can prepare your body for various holiday tasks such as: Putting away groceries; Loading and unloading the dishwasher or the car; Playing with kids, grandkids, or pets; Yard work for the fall leaves; or simple house chores like vacuuming or mopping the floor. Once you’re done with your launch and twist with the pumpkin, you can prepare that pumpkin pie you’ve been waiting for all year long.



Keep moving, bake, and enjoy!!

Some pumpkin seed and black bean granola might be nice too!

Setup: Using a medicine ball or small pumpkin, and/or light dumbbells or no weight at all.

PLEASE NOTE: (Always start with lighter weights to protect your shoulders)

Stand tall with your feet hip-width or shoulder-width apart, holding a medicine ball at chest level with slightly bent elbows.

Movement:

• Step forward with one leg and lower your hips until both knees bend to roughly 90 degrees.
• Keep your back knee hovering just above or lightly touching the floor.
• Rotate your upper body and the medicine ball toward your front leg.
• Keep the movement controlled and drive the twist from your midsection towards your side.
• Return to center rotate your torso back to face forward.
• Slowly rise push firmly through the front heel to stand back to the starting position.
• Repeat on the opposite side. (You may alternate or do full set on one side then repeat with the other leg)

Tip:

During this exercise, keep your arms elevated without shrugging your shoulders and use your torso rather than your hips to swivel.

Performance:

Perform 1x per day, 2 times a week.

2 sets per leg, 8-10 reps

Have fun, stay safe, and healthy!

-Jordan LaBrec PT, DPT, MS, CSCS

Core and More Instructor

We also offer groups for loved ones, including the Friends and Family Group (open to all cancer types), the Husband and Significant Others group (for male-identifying loved ones), and for Brain Tumor Caregivers

There truly is support available for everyone; there are some groups open to young adults, and some gender specific. We collaborate with other organizations to offer a vast array of options. For more information on registering for any of these groups, please visit:

UCSF Apparel are available at both locations

 Thank you for your continued support.

We look forward to supporting you and hope to see you soon!

Please visit our website See More Here

Offerings for Patients

Art for Recovery Firefly Project:

Attention Patients and medical students we invite you to join us in a monthly exchange of letters and artwork between adults living with cancer and medical students. This project is an invitation to practice empathy and compassion, build meaningful connection, and remind one another of the preciousness and value of life.

What is the Firefly Project?

The Firefly Project is a monthly exchange of letters, handwritten or typed, between adults living with cancer and medical students...and more.

The Firefly Project was created in 1992 by Cindy Perlis, former director, Art for Recovery. 

(Registration is Required for all AFR Offerings)

For Additional information and to register for these offerings

Call: 415-885-7225 or Visit: Art for Recovery

Laughter Yoga

**This is a public class - anyone may join**

All in the comfort of your home.

Laughter has been shown to boost your immune system, release tension and stress, help manage pain, and so much more.

To learn more: Go to Osher Center Public Classes/Laughter Yoga

This is a time for you to take a moment to breathe, reflect, and ground ourselves. No meditation experience necessary.

This space is open for all patients, caregivers, and staff.



To attend online via Zoom

Please email: Spiritual Care Visit Our Website

Introducing Yuan Gong an updated, gentle and effective practice of QiGong, a traditional Chinese healing system (the origin of T’ai Chi). This class focuses on improving health and well-being. Appropriate for people experiencing cancer and chronic conditions. The class accommodates people with movement restrictions or even chair-based practitioners. 

Reserve in advance

If you are a UCSF patient who has finished active cancer treatment, please join us for an orientation to our Survivorship Wellness program. This 8-week interdisciplinary program will help you focus on optimizing health and wellness after cancer treatment.

Learn how to set personal goals and practice skills in: nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep, goal-setting, sexual wellness, emotional wellness, and spiritual wellness.

Open to UCSF patients who are no longer in active treatment for cancer. Most insurance plans are accepted.

This integrative, comprehensive program through the UCSF Cancer Survivorship Program, in collaboration with Physical Therapy and Psycho-Oncology will offer:

• Group-based instruction and coaching by UCSF physical therapists and a clinical health psychologist
• Evidence-based physical activity routines to support recovery from cancer treatment and support long-term health
• Mind-body support: sustaining motivation, nurturing new activity habits, and negotiating barriers to exercise
• Group connection and community support with fellow survivors seeking the same health goals after cancer treatment

Eligibility criteria:

• UCSF patients who have completed active cancer treatment
• Must be able to commit to initial individual consultation with facilitating physical therapists. Followed by 16 weekly group sessions on Thursday
• Should not be currently participating in physical therapy
• Must be in the state of California for all virtual group sessions

Please note: Most insurance is accepted, though be advised this service is not presently covered by those with Cigna insurance.

CONTACT 415-353-3416 to learn more, and to register

for an eligibility evaluation with the Physical Therapy department. 

ONGOING

The MERI Center uses the wisdom of palliative care to honor the humanity and dignity of all people, regardless of background. Bridging innovative education with the arts & humanities, the MERI Center has offerings for all audiences, including patients, caregivers, healthcare workers and the general public. Check out these offerings and more!

See all our Events and Offerings

For more information: Email Gayle Kojimoto or Call 415-509-8645

Learn More:

If you would like to receive our monthly newsletter or learn about upcoming events:

UCSF MERI Center mailing list.

Help keep the MERI Center workshops free by donating

Program Highlights



ACS CARES™ (Community Access to Resources, Education, and Support)

Our digital app utilizes a health assessment to provide self-service, non-clinical navigation support with information tailored to each person’s needs. (App is available in English and Spanish)

Road To Recovery ® *

This ACS volunteer program provides free rides to/from cancer-related medical appointments (per availability).  

Extended Stay America Lodging Support *

ACS has teamed up with Extended Stay America (ESA) to offer discounted rooms for patients who have to be away from home for cancer treatment.

*Call our Helpline: 1-800-227-2345

or Via Chat: https://www.cancer.org/

Watch Previous Recorded Webinars

Did you miss one of Triage Cancer's free live webinars?  Click Here 

Triage Cancer's free educational webinar series discusses the practical and legal issues impacting people beyond diagnosis. Learn about navigating finances after a cancer diagnosis, health insurance, disability insurance, work and employment rights, advocacy, estate planning, clinical trials, and more.

View our main page for more materials and resources

See Here

Open to Options

Have you recently been diagnosed with a new or recurrent cancer? Do you need to make decisions about treatment options? Do you have an appointment scheduled to meet with your doctor?

Cancer Support Community offers a free question listing service to help you prepare for your upcoming oncology visit. The goals of this program are to help you communicate clearly with your medical team, ask critical questions about your options, and help ensure that your treatment decisions fit your personal hopes and goals. 

To make an appointment, please call us at 925-933-0107 or 888-793-9355.

View Here

WE SUPPORT

Sarcoma Patients | Caregivers | Family and Friends

WE PROVIDE

• Online resources and support groups
• Expert guidance navigating complex treatment decisions
• Financial assistance for second medical opinions for patients who qualify 
• Directory of Sarcoma Centers & Sarcoma Specialists at major hospitals and universities near you

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU

Phone: 415-381-7236

Email: info@sarcomaalliance.org 

See More Here

Need to Talk?

Grow Therapy can help.

Find a psychiatrist or therapist near you who takes your insurance. Finding the right therapist that fits your schedule and arranging your session is easy, safe, and secure. Book today!

 Location | Insurance | Needs

 It can be challenging for patients with Medi-Cal to find a therapist sometimes.

We accept most major insurances including Medi-Cal and many more. 

Search and Schedule:

View Here

Let's Talk Caregiving

Community Programs & Events

More Webinars

More Webinars

Current & Upcoming Events

See Here

Pickles - Kids Supporting Kids | How to talk to kids about cancer webinars

Request your Family Cancer Support Kit

American Cancer Society | “Helping Children When a Family Member Has Cancer”

National Cancer Institute | “When Your Parent Has Cancer: A Guide for Teens”

MD Anderson Center | “When a parent has cancer: Helping teens and kids cope”

Facebook | My Parent Has Cancer and It Really Sucks

Teens supporting teens can make a difference.

Women’s Cancer Resource Center “WCRC” provides a range of services to support women with cancer (and their families) in the East Bay & Contra Costa County. 

We help individuals from various backgrounds and cultures improve their quality of life through education, supportive services, and practical assistance.

Free Therapy Sessions with WCRC Licensed Therapists

We match eligible clients with one of our professionally licensed therapists for 12 sessions. If you have general questions about the program, please call 510-809-0216 and leave a message. 

WCRC Support Groups - Visit Here or Call: 510-601-4040

WCRC provides a range of services to

support women (and their families) in the East Bay & Contra Costa County

Website: www.wcrc.org or Email: wcrc@wcrc.org

Visit Our Calendar

A Blood Cancer Information Specialist can speak one-on-one with you and can assist you through blood cancer treatment, and financial and social challenges, and give accurate up-to-date disease treatment and support information. Our Information Specialists are highly trained oncology social workers and nurses located in the United States.

Program status, or help with the online portal, please call

877-557-2672

5:30 am - 2:00 pm PT

Pink Ribbon Good

We still provide FREE direct services to women with

breast cancer and gynecological cancers throughout the

CA Bay Area and within a 40-mile radius of SF

and Santa Clara County   

 Any stage, any age, no restrictions on income.

For support for yourself or loved one, Click Here

If you would like to donate to this organization, Click Here

You may contact us directly at: 877-269-5367

Support for Chinese Cancer Patients

and their Families

對中國癌症患者及其家人的支持

Our Mission: 我們的任務：

To serve Chinese cancer patients and families through service, education,

advocacy, and research.

New Hope Chinese Cancer Care Foundation serves patients regardless of religion, gender, age and region; and serves Chinese cancer patients and their families with the implementation of services and integrated use of resources.

透過服務、教育、宣傳和研究為華人癌症患者和家庭服務。

新希望中華癌症關懷基金會為病人服務，不分宗教、性別、年齡、地理；為華人癌症患者及其家屬提供服務實施和資源整合利用。

Transportation Service  交通接送

Free transportation to cancer patients for medical treatment. Volunteers are arranged according to the situation. Please call as soon as possible to make an appointment.

Love Recovery Meal 愛心康復餐

Providing short-term meal service for cancer patients in need during treatment. Nutritious diet supports cancer patients’ recovery.

"Ask the Doctor" 問醫生

Free Doctor’s Consultation. Oncology specialist Dr. Dai Rongtao answers various questions about cancer treatment for cancer patients and their families.

Visit our website 造訪我們的網站

For these services and more, please call the office for enquiries:

如需這些服務及更多服務，請致電辦公室詢問：

408-609-3338

Cancer Support Group

2nd & 4th Mondays | 10:30am – 12:00pm 

The Chinese Cancer Support Group is a free and ongoing program that serves cancer patients and their family members through mutual support and caring. We provide resources on health information, fitness, sharing circle, outings, and activities to assist cancer survivors as they experience treatment and recovery.

For support for patients and families who speak Taishanese, please call

Joanna Jiang at 415-781-0401 ext. 125

For questions or more information, please contact our front desk staff 

at 415-781-0401

癌症支援小組  

每月第二和第四個星期一 |上午 10:30 – 下午 12:00

華人癌症互助小組是一個免費且持續性的項目，透過相互支持和關懷為癌症患者及其家人提供服務。我們提供健康資訊、健身、分享圈、郊遊和活動方面的資源，以幫助癌症倖存者接受治療和復原。

如需為講台山話的患者及其家屬提供支持，請致電：

Joanna Jiang，電話：415-781-0401 轉 125

如有任何疑問或想了解更多信息，請聯繫我們的前台工作人員。

415-781-0401

English

Español

中文

Cancer Center New Patient Guidebook

(Click preferred language or link above for all versions of the Guidebook)

For a printed copy, please call: 415-885-3693

Support Groups

Cancer Support

Services

Peer Support