Cancer Resources and Support

Right from the start of treatment, you have access to robust cancer support services that make your life a little easier. Our nurse navigator discusses options and connects you with the services that best meet your needs. 

UMass Memorial’s offerings include: 

Assistance From Social Workers

We help you and your family navigate the medical, emotional and practical issues that come with a cancer diagnosis. Issues we frequently manage include financial concerns, disability coverage, transportation to medical appointments and more.

Emotional Support 

Clinical health psychologists help you cope with emotional issues such as anxiety and depression. We discuss your concerns and what you can do about them. We also guide you through stress-relieving techniques, such as exercises that promote relaxation.

Financial Counselors

Our team includes financial counselors dedicated to assisting patients with cancer and their families. They explain your health insurance coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs. Counselors also answer questions about medical bills.

Nutrition Services

Certain cancer types and treatment side effects can affect your appetite, ability to eat and the body’s digestive process. Oncology dietitians provide one-on-one counseling to optimize your nutrition and lower the impact of unintended weight loss.

Palliative Care

Palliative care providers offer support throughout treatment. They may prescribe therapies to relieve nagging symptoms and can also help you make informed treatment decisions. Find out more about palliative care.

Patient and Family Support Groups

UMass Memorial leads group discussions to ease the burden of life with cancer. Social workers guide discussions that enable patients and their loved ones to share knowledge and experiences. Receiving support from groups like ours can help you feel less alone as you journey through cancer treatment.

Rehabilitation Services

Cancer treatments can impact your strength and abilities. We help you regain the highest level of functioning through rehabilitation therapy services. You have access to specialized therapies that optimize your ability to move, swallow and manage once-simple tasks. We also offer services for lymphedema (unusual fluid buildups). 

Patient Partner Program

The Patient Partner Program, designed by our Patient and Family Advisory Council, connects UMass Memorial patients with volunteer mentors who have received care at our Cancer Center within the past 10 years. A mentor will meet with you monthly to listen to your concerns and answer questions about your cancer journey. 

Cancer Survivorship

After treatment is complete, survivorship services enable you to get back into the swing of life. Providers specializing in survivorship deliver therapies to relieve late-onset or lingering symptoms. We also work with you to develop a cancer monitoring plan, which includes a personalized timeline of screenings you’ll need in the future. Explore our Cancer Survivorship Program. 

Additional Cancer Resources for Patients and Survivors 

Our team is always looking for ways to help patients and survivors feel their best. We maintain close ties with providers and organizations that offer additional services such as rehabilitative exercises, caregiver support and transportation. Get more information about support services from the community.