We treat you, the whole person, not just your breast cancer. We understand that you come to your cancer diagnosis with a life that’s complicated enough already. And we understand how you might have issues that you’re reluctant to discuss with your physician. After all, you want your doctor to focus on your cancer treatment. But we also know that anxiety can hamper healing and be a barrier to getting the most effective medical care.
So we’re here to help you through it. Just as the UCSD Breast Cancer Unit provides integrated medical care, with a roster of interdisciplinary specialists on your team, we have a psychosocial support team that stands ready to provide practical assistance and moral support to keep you on track during your treatment.
At your first visit to the Moores UCSD Cancer Center, you’ll meet one of the members of your survivor support team, who will give you a tour and answer questions you may have about our facility and our resources. You’ll also learn about the kinds of programs we have to meet your individual needs:
And if you have an issue or a need that’s not listed, we can find help for you. We call it “the science of caring” and it’s our commitment to you that we’ll be here for you as long as you need us.
A Unique Way to Identify and Respond to Your Needs
Our dedicated team includes volunteers who are breast cancer survivors, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, pastoral counselors and educators. All are committed to helping you maximize your quality of life and minimize the disruption to normal living during your treatment.
This is likely uncharted territory for you, and sometimes you need support to even understand your needs. That’s why we ask you to complete a unique screening questionnaire when you first come to the Moores UCSD Cancer Center, so we can determine the kinds of things that are on your mind. We developed this easy-to-use touch-screen tool so that we can get you the services that matter most to you, because everybody’s different. For example, if pain is one of your top concerns, the survey will – with your permission – alert your treating physician to discuss how you may benefit from our Palliative Care services.
We’re Here for Your Family, Too
During your breast cancer treatment, your family is affected also. We offer couples and family counseling, and programs to help you talk to your children about your illness. We’re also publishing a book for men called The Men’s Survival Guide to Supporting Women with Breast Cancer. It’s full of sensible information and practical advice about how men can play an essential role in controlling the suffering and disruption breast cancer causes. And scientific research and clinical experience demonstrate that the help and support women receive from men has a dramatic impact on how they cope with breast cancer.